The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Jean Baptiste Beaubien
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2014
1. Jean Baptiste Beaubien Marker
On this site, then the lake shore, Jean Baptiste Beaubien, Chicago's second civilian, in 1817, built a “mansion” to which he brought his bride, Josette LaFramboise. It remained their home until 1845.
Erected 1937 by Chicago's Charter Jubilee.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Chicago's Charter Jubilee series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.
Location. 41° 53.051′ N, 87° 37.481′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. Marker is at the intersection of North Michigan Avenue and East Randolph Street, on the right when traveling south on North Michigan Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60602, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Michigan Boulevard (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chicago Public Library Cultural Center (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jewelers Row (about 400 feet away); Pittsfield Building (about 500 feet away); Aaron Montgomery Ward (about 700 feet away); Marshall Field and Company Building (approx. 0.2
this page online
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2014
2. Chicago Cultural Center
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 12, 2016
3. Jean Baptiste Beaubien Marker
& The GAR Cornerstone
& The GAR Cornerstone
Grand Army
of the
Repvblic
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 13, 2016
4. Cornerstone
The Chicago Public Library MDCCCXCIII, (1893)
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, November 13, 2016
5. The Chicago Cultural Center
Formerly the Chicago Public Library
& GAR Hall
Formerly the Chicago Public Library
& GAR Hall
“The Chicago Public Library was established in 1872, after British citizens (including Queen Victoria) sent a care package of thousands of books to our famously burned-out town. The library collection was initially kept in a water tank on LaSalle Street, and then in a series of temporary quarters. In 1883 the City Council picked a plot of land, on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Randolph, as its future site. Then a small park, the plot was already historic—it had once been the home of early Chicago settler Jean Baptiste Beaubien. It was also contested: the state legislature gave a Civil War veterans' group part of it as the site for a memorial hall. The dispute, which went to court, ended in an agreement that the building would be shared, split into one part library, one part Grand Army of the Republic War Memorial.” — Deanna Isaacs, A vanity plate for the Chicago Cultural Center?, The Chicago Reader, December 30, 2013.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 10, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 729 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 10, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 20, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
