The Loop District in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Columbia Yacht Club

Founded 1892

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

1. Columbia Yacht Club Marker

Inscription. During the winter of 1891, a group of Chicago sailors gathered at the home of a bridge tender to discuss the formation of a club dedicated to the sport of sailing. Their idea was to create on the lakefront, a facility where men and women could enjoy the art and skill of recreational boating. In 1892, the State of Illinois granted these Chicago pioneers a charter for their organization and helped with the site selection at the foot of Randolph Street. The new club would adopt the name “Columbia” to commemorate The World’s Columbian Exposition, which was held in Chicago in 1892.

More than 100 years later, Columbia Yacht Club is a vibrant addition to Chicago and the boating community. Columbia sponsors the worlds oldest, continually run fresh water race, the Race to Michigan City, first held in 1893. In addition to sponsoring a variety of national and international events, Columbia is the home of the 1999 Junior National Champion Doubles Sailing Team. Columbia offers sailing lessons for adults and children and our community outreach programs have introduced the pleasures of Lake Michigan to many Chicago children. Columbia members and their families represent the vast cultural and economic diversity that is Chicago. United by our love and respect of Lake Michigan and the world’s waterways, Columbia members are dedicated to the

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Corinthian spirit in support of sailing.

111 North Lake Shore Drive Chicago, Illinois 60601 312-938-3625

Erected by Columbia Yacht Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 41° 53.046′ N, 87° 36.746′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in The Loop District. It is on North Lake Shore Drive. This marker is on the dock, mid-ship of the Q.S.M.V. Abegweit. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 North Lake Shore Drive, 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 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: Q.S.M.V. Abegweit (here, next to this marker); The World's Columbian Exposition (approx. ¼ mile away); Chicago River Bridge Technology (approx. ¼ mile away); The Great Chicago Fire (approx. ¼ mile away); Monument of the Millennium (approx. ¼ mile away); Early Chicago River Crossings (approx. ¼ mile away); The Reversal of the Chicago River (approx. ¼ mile away); The Michigan Avenue Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

2. Columbia Yacht Club Marker

There are two markers on this board. The Columbia Yacht Club marker is on the right.

The Q.S.M.V. Abegweit image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

3. The Q.S.M.V. Abegweit

The marker is on the dock, located about the middle of the ship.

DuSable Harbor, Nearby image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 29, 2011

4. DuSable Harbor, Nearby

Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,018 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 27, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.