Navy Pier in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

USS Chicago Anchor

Donated by the Naval Historical Center, U.S. Navy

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 25, 2026

1. USS Chicago Anchor Marker

Inscription. This eight-ton anchor is from the third warship named after the City of Chicago. The first "Chicago" was part of the Great White Fleet and saw service from 1889 to 1928. The second was commissioned in 1931 and, after distinguished service in World War II was sunk by enemy action in 1943 in the Guadalcanal area. The third "Chicago," from which this anchor was salvaged, was commissioned in 1945 as a heavy cruiser and, after World War II action, was converted to a guided missile cruiser (CG-11). She saw service in Vietnam and received the Navy Unit Commendation. She was 671 feet long with a 71 foot beam, and displaced 17.700 tons. She was decommissioned in 1980.

The anchor is dedicated as a memorial to each ship named "Chicago" and to the thousands of men and women who served their nation in maritime service.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: War, Vietnam • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1945.

Location. 41° 53.512′ N, 87° 35.921′ W. Memorial is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Navy Pier. It is on East Grand Avenue 0.8 miles east

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of DuSable Lake Shore Drive (U.S. 41). The marker is at the base of the anchor, which sits at the eastern edge of Navy Pier. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 800 East Grand Avenue, Chicago IL 60611, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is on Chicago’s North Side. It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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 USS Chicago Anchor (here, next to this marker); Navy Pier Salute (here, next to this marker); United States Merchant Marine (within shouting distance of this marker); Terminal Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shelter Building (about 700 feet away); Reach (approx. half a mile away); Storm Water Use for Irrigation (approx. 0.6 miles away); Captain on the Helm

USS Chicago Anchor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 25, 2026

2. USS Chicago Anchor

(approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this memorial. This plaque faces west towards Navy Pier’s grand ballroom. Another plaque on the east (facing the lake) honors people involved in bringing the anchor to this spot.

Navy Pier’s was called Municipal Pier when it opened in 1916. In 1927 it was renamed in honor of naval veterans of World War I.

USS Chicago Anchor and Navy Pier image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 25, 2026

3. USS Chicago Anchor and Navy Pier

The third USS Chicago image. Click for more information.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

4. The third USS Chicago

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 55 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 26, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.