The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A Century of Progress
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 10, 2024
1. A Century of Progress Marker
1933 A Century of Progress for Chicago's 100th Birthday. A world's fair which focused on science and industry. Buildings were prime examples of art deco and the famous Skyride which was then the tallest man-made structure west of Manhattan.
The Streets of Paris featured Sally Rand and her Fan-dance.
Erected 2000.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Notable Events • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location. 41° 53.269′ N, 87° 36.843′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. It is at the intersection of Chicago Riverwalk and Jean Baptiste Point du Sable (U.S. 41), on the right when traveling west on Chicago Riverwalk. The mural is in the underpass beneath Lake Shore Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60601, 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
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Michigan Avenue Bridge (here, next to this marker); The Burnham Plan (here, next to this marker); Chicago in the 1830s (a few steps from this marker); Illinois and Michigan Canal (a few steps from this marker); Early Chicago River Crossings (a few steps from this marker); Riverview Park (a few steps from this marker); "Shovel Day" (a few steps from this marker); Chicago (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
More about this marker. The mural is one of several erected in the Chicago Riverwalk's tunnel beneath Lake Shore Drive, close to where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan.
Also see . . .
1. 1933-1934 Century of Progress Exposition. From the Chicago Architecture Center, a look back at the Century of Progress Exposition.
Excerpt: "Despite its name, the fair was less a retelling of Chicagos first 100 years and(Submitted on December 4, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)more a showcase for modern living, consumerism and entertainment. All of this was driven by the need to stimulate spending during the Great Depression. There were nearly two dozen corporate pavilions at the exposition pushing the latest gizmos and gadgets for home and cara big increase from the nine corporate pavilions at Chicagos 1893 World's Fair."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 10, 20242. The Riverwalk GatewaySeveral murals adorn the walls of this walkway beneath Du Sable Lake Shore Drive.
2. Chicagology: The Towering Skyride.
Excerpt: "Two towers stand like giant sentinels, 1,850 feet apart, seeming to guard the Hall of Science on the Mainland, and the Hall of Social Science across the Lagoon support of the spectacular Skyride, great thrill feature of A Century of Progress. Back in 93, it was the monster Ferris Wheel that everybody talked about, and everybody rode. Today, striking example of the progress of science even in thrill makers, is this suspension bridge principle applied to an entertainment feature and perhaps the near solution of some problems of overhead transportation."(Submitted on December 4, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
3. Sally Rand's Fan Dance (YouTube).
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company Records, Courtesy of Newberry Library, circa 1933
3. An overhead view of A Century of Progress
A Century of Progress was held on a man-made peninsula called Northerly Island. The two towers of the Skyride, which transported riders about 1,800 feet, can be seen at the top of the photo. The two 628-foot towers were higher than the tallest building in Chicago at that time. The towers were demolished after the exposition.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 45 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2. submitted on December 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3. submitted on December 4, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
