The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Chicago in the 1830s
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 10, 2024
1. Chicago in the 1830s Marker
By 1832, due to increased lake traffic, a lighthouse was built next to the fort. In 1834 the United States Army cut through a sand bar at the mouth of the Chicago River to create a better commercial harbor. By 1839 the first shipment of grain left Chicago on the OCEOLA bound for Buffalo, New York.
1833 First school opened by Eliza Chappel on the south bank of the river situated at what is now State Street and Wacker Drive.
1834 The first drawbridge made of logs was built at Dearborn Street. Due to numerous mechanical problems it was destroyed in 1839 by order of the City Council.
1830 James Thompson's plat for Chicago's first real estate development.
1833 A treaty with the Potawatomis ceded adjacent land to the United States which allowed Chicago to grow.
1833 Chicago was incorporated as a village.
1837 Chicago was incorporated as a city.
Erected 2000.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.
Location. 41° 53.274′ N,
this page online
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: The Burnham Plan (here, next to this marker); Chicago (here, next to this marker); Illinois and Michigan Canal (a few steps from this marker); The Michigan Avenue Bridge (a few steps from this marker); A Century of Progress (a few steps from this marker); "Shovel Day" (a few steps
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 10, 2024
2. The Riverwalk Gateway
Several murals adorn the walls of this walkway beneath Du Sable Lake Shore Drive.
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.
Regarding Chicago in the 1830s. Chicago incorporated as a town in 1833, and became a city in 1837.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn
3. Image of a print of Fort Dearborn
Credits. This page was last revised on December 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 5, 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 5, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
