The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Sauganash Hotel - Chicago - 1831
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 28, 2021
1. Sauganash Hotel - Chicago - 1831 Marker
In 1833, prominent local citizens met in the Sauganash Hotel to incorporate the town of Chicago. The first election and first meeting of the town trustees were also held here. The hotel was destroyed by fire in 1851.
Erected 2017 by Daughters of the American Revolution Chicago Chapter.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1831.
Location. 41° 53.137′ N, 87° 38.211′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. It is at the intersection of Upper Wacker Drive and West Lake Drive, in the median on Upper Wacker Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60606, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lincoln's Nomination Site (here, next to this marker); Site of the Sauganash Hotel/Wigwam (a few steps from this marker); First Post Office (within
this page online
More about this marker. The "Year Erected" for this plaque is unstated, and so the 2017 date of re-dedication is provided here. Prior to re-dedication, the plaque is said to have been in storage in City Hall "for nearly two decades", according to the City of Chicago. However, it should be noted that this plaque is not original - a similar plaque was installed near this location by the DAR Kaskasia Chapter and the Chicago Historical Society in April, 1930. What became of that plaque is unclear.
Also see . . .
1. Monuments to Chicagos Historic Beginnings Reinstalled at Wacker and Lake (City of Chicago, 11/6/17).
"A pair of historic plaques that commemorate the location where Chicago(Submitted on October 8, 2021.)was incorporated as a town and Abraham Lincoln was nominated for president of the United States were rededicated today by Ald. Edward Burke and Department of Planning & Development Commissioner David Reifman.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 28, 20212. Sauganash Hotel - Chicago - 1831 Marker - wide viewNote that on the other side of the monument for this marker there is an additional marker relating to the nomination of Abraham Lincoln as the 1860 Republican candidate for president.
Gifted to the City in the early 20th century by the Daughters of the American Revolution, the 30- by 50-inch brass plaques honor the location of the Sauganash Hotel and, later, the Wigwam convention hall, on the southeast corner of Wacker Drive and Lake Street. The plaques had been in storage at City Hall for nearly two decades."
2. Sauganash Hotel (Wikipedia).
"Sauganash Hotel (originally Eagle Exchange Tavern) is a former hotel; regarded as the first hotel in Chicago, Illinois. Built in 1831, it was located at Wolf Point in the present day Loop community area at the intersection of the north, south and main branches of the Chicago River. The location at West Lake Street and North Wacker Drive (formerly Market Street) was designated a Chicago Landmark on November 6, 2002. The hotel changed proprietors often in its twenty-year existence and briefly served as Chicago's first theater. It was named after Sauganash, an interpreter in the British Indian Department."(Submitted on October 8, 2021.)
courtesy of the Plainfield Public Library and Illinois Digital Archives
3. The Sauganash Hotel
This is a picture of the Sauganash Hotel. [It] was built or rebuilt by Mark Beaubien in 1831 and no doubt was the first frame building in downtown. This hotel stood on the SE corner of Lake and Market Sts. and was an addition to the old log tavern. Mark Beaubien came to Chicago in 1826. He was a good violinist which helped him entertain his guests, and his place was known as the best tavern in Chicago. The first frame house that was built in Chicago was in 1828, and was built by the government for Billy Caldwell, whose Indian name was Sauganash, and this tavern was named in honor of this chieftain. - Plainfield Public Library
Courtesy of UC Riverside, California Museum of Photography, Keystone-Mast Collection
4. Original (?) Sauganash Hotel marker by the DAR Kaskasia Chapter, April 1930
"On this historic site was established in 1829 by Mark Beaubien / the Sauganash Hotel / formerly the Eagle Exchange / Here the first election of town trustees of Chicago was held August 10, 1833. This was the meeting place of the village"
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,382 times since then and 182 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 8, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3, 4. submitted on October 8, 2021.
