Near North Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Benjamin Franklin School (#5)

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 5, 2021

1. The Benjamin Franklin School (#5) Marker

Inscription. The Benjamin Franklin School, located at 225 West Evergreen, is the fifth oldest school in Chicago. The school, which today is known as The Franklin Fine Arts Center, originally opened in 1837 on Canal Street. In 1856 the school was moved to its present location in Old Town. In 1871, the school was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire. In 1875, the school was rebuilt as a 12-room building. The current school was built in 1926 and continues to provide public education with a concentration on the fine arts. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 41° 54.389′ N, 87° 38.081′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the Near North Side. Marker is at the intersection of North Wells Street and West Evergreen Street, on the right when traveling south on North Wells Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60610, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Western Wheel Works Factory and Dr. Scholl Footwear Factory (#4) (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Businesses in Old Town (#6) (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chicago Fire Department - Engine Company No. 27 (#7) (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);

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Old Town Architecture Reflects Neighborhood History (#10) (about 300 feet away); The Churches of Old Town (#8) (about 400 feet away); Old Town and The Great Fire (#3) (about 700 feet away); Early Prominent Residents of Old Town (#2) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Town's Early Settlers (#11) (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Also see . . . Franklin History (Franklin Fine Arts Center).

"Opened in 1837 at Canal and Lake Streets, Franklin is the fifth oldest school in Chicago (which currently boasts 655 public schools). It was called School District No. 5 until 1858, when the school board decided to name schools after famous people...."

(Submitted on December 15, 2021.)

The Benjamin Franklin School (#5) Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, December 5, 2021

2. The Benjamin Franklin School (#5) Marker - wide view

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 221 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the school, or at least a nicely framed shot of the main entrance • Can you help?