The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Sauganash Hotel - Chicago - 1831
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. Marker 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.
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 shouting distance of this marker); Wacker Drive (within shouting distance of this marker); Lake-Franklin Group (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trustees System Service Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Freeform (approx. ¼ mile away); Chicago & North Western Railway Powerhouse (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
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 Chicago’s Historic Beginnings Reinstalled at Wacker and Lake (City of Chicago, 11/6/17).
"A pair of historic plaques that commemorate the location where Chicago 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.(Submitted on October 8, 2021.)
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.)
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 675 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 8, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3, 4. submitted on October 8, 2021.