Logan Square in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Logan Square Boulevards

Chicago Landmark District

Photographed by Sean Flynn

1. Logan Square Boulevards Marker

Inscription. Featuring streetscapes of handsome mansions, apartment buildings, and institutional and commercial buildings from the 1880s through the 1930s, the District is one of the best-preserved portions of Chicago's extensive park boulevards system.

Erected by Commission on Chicago Landmarks, City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Landmarks • Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 41° 55.246′ N, 87° 42.234′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Logan Square. It is at the intersection of West Palmer Square and North Whipple Street on West Palmer Square. The marker is on a lamppost above the street sign at the southern edge of Palmer Square Park, where Whipple Street meets the park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3049 W Palmer Square, Chicago IL 60647, 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: A different marker also named Logan Square Boulevards (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Logan Square Boulevards (about 600 feet

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away); Logan Square • Palmer Square (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Boulevard System (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Logan Square Boulevards (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Logan Square Boulevards (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Logan Square Boulevards (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Logan Square Boulevards (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. The front and back have identical text. A stylized sign for Chicago's Historic Boulevards hangs above the marker on the same lamppost.

At least four other identical markers can be found between Humboldt Park and Palmer Square Park.

Regarding Logan Square Boulevards. Chicago declared the Logan Square Boulevards a landmark district in 2005.

Also see . . . Palmer (John McAuley) Square Park. The Chicago Park District page about Palmer Square Park

Excerpt: "As elegant residences began developing along
Photographed by Sean Flynn, October 14, 2023

2. Logan Square Boulevards Marker
Palmer Square and Humboldt Boulevard between the 1880s and early 1900s, Chicagoans often used the thoroughfares for strolling, carriage rides, and cycling. At the time, a bicycle craze swept through Chicago, largely spurred by the recent invention of the safety bike. Palmer Square became a popular spot for “wheelmen,” local clubs, and even national biking organizations. Biking enthusiasts used the ovular paved road surrounding the parkland as a track, sometimes even sharing it with pedestrians who occasionally objected to these “scorchers” taking over the roads. Because of its boulevard connection with Humboldt Park, Palmer Square was also used in city-wide bike routes, races, and parades. These events, ranging from two to 25 miles, were extremely popular with clubs across the city. In one particularly descriptive Chicago Tribune article, dated May 25, 1896, the writer calls the Associated Cycling Clubs Annual Run – where clubs chose specific colors and patterns as riding emblems - a “kaleidoscope of color.” This trend is especially interesting considering that Ignaz Schwinn (1860 - 1948), founder of Schwinn Bicycles, lived at the corner of W. Palmer St. and N. Humboldt Blvd. during the 1910s."

(Submitted on October 17, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Logan Square Boulevards Marker and Palmer Square Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, October 14, 2023

3. Logan Square Boulevards Marker and Palmer Square Park

In the background is Palmer Square Park, a seven-acre rectangular swath of green space that was created as part of the boulevard system. It is named after John McAuley Palmer (1817–1900), a lawyer, Civil War general, U.S. senator and Illinois' 15th governor.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 294 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 17, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.