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. The retrieval of this anchor was made under the auspices of the USS Chicago Foundation. Its operating board consisted of:

Harold T. Berc • William J. Hagenah, Jr. • S. Steven Karalekas • Samuel Wm. Sax • Robert E. Wiss

The metropolitan pier and exposition authority, the Port of Bellingham in Washington State, and the U.S. Navy all provided assistance and cooperation in establishing this exhibit.

The city's name is continued in naval service by the nuclear submarine designated USS Chicago (SSN-721).

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Military • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 41° 53.512′ N, 87° 35.919′ W. Memorial is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Navy Pier. It is on East Grand Avenue 0.8 miles east of DuSable Lake Shore Drive (U.S. 41). The marker faces east (toward Lake Michigan) at the base of the anchor, which is located on 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

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

Also see . . .
1. USS Chicago (CA-136/CG-11): A Cold War Razee. US Naval Institute website entry (Submitted on March 27, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. About USS Chicago (SSN 721).

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

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 25, 2026

2. USS Chicago Anchor at Navy Pier

The vessel is part of Submarine Squadron 19, based in Bangor, Washington.

Excerpt: "The fourth USS Chicago is the Navy's 34th Los Angeles-class nuclear powered attack submarine. She was christened by Mrs. Vicky Ann Paisley, wife of former Assistant Secretary of the Navy Melvin R. Paisley and launched on October 13, 1984. Chicago was commissioned on September 27, 1986. Chicago's stealth, endurance, mobility and responsiveness make her a formidable force in a wide range of mission roles."

(Submitted on March 26, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

USS Chicago (CG-11) image. Click for full size.

via USNI

3. USS Chicago (CG-11)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 26 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 26, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3. submitted on March 27, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.