From a waterway commonly used by Native Americans, European settlers, and traders, to one of present-day Chicago’s greatest known attractions, the Chicago River has quite a hefty history.
After its invaluable potential was first realized by early settlers, the river became the planted seedling that eventually grew into a bustling metropolis, opening up possibilities for trade, travel, advancement, and the construction of a lucrative commerce center- that center would one day become the well-known, well-loved city of Chicago.
It was in the 1800s that the river became the heart of a booming industry-town. The Union Stockyards, steel mills, lumber yards, and dozens of other industrial complexes surrounded the river. The Chicago River suffered great abuse at the hands of industrial progress, turning into a colorful, putrid waterway. It would take decades to undo the environmental damage done.
In October 1871, almost exactly 150 years ago, the great Chicago Fire broke out and destroyed most of the city. Three days later, the vow that “Chicago shall rise again” was printed in The Chicago Tribune. The destruction instigated the birth of a new architectural dreamland.
Architects, engineers, innovators, and inventors scrambled to the fire-torn city and began to rebuild. In 1909, Daniel Burnham and Edward H. Bennett planned to build several lakefront piers to eliminate congestion of large ships in the river, and from this sprang Navy Pier, which was completed in 1916 and originally named “Municipal Pier.”
In the rush to rebuild this great city came historic classics like the Marquette, Monadnock, and the Rookery buildings. Eventually, more architectural monuments rose up as engineering progressed. Buildings you can see today along Chicago’s Riverwalk, like the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and the Merchandise Mart are all historic buildings that add opulence and beauty to the Chicago River.
Other, more modern additions include places like 150 N. Riverside and 333 West Wacker, the latter of which looks over what is known as “Wolf Point,” the place where the North, South, and Main Branches of the Chicago River meet. This location was the original center of Chicago when the city was nothing more than a small frontier village back in the 1800s.
If you want to see some of the historic architectural wonders that stand along the river today, take a Chicago architecture tour on Chicago’s First Lady. With the season coming to a close on November 21st, you still have the opportunity to take a 90 minute Chicago architecture boat tour and see Chicago like you have never seen her before. You can also upgrade your ticket to receive admission to the Chicago Architecture Center (this is valid for up to 7 days after your cruise).
We also offer a number of other cruising options, from private events and excursions on our Lady Grebe, to sunset cruises on Lake Michigan in Chicago. Hurry and purchase your tickets today, before the season ends on November 21st!
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