1804

Scharf, Albert F. “Indian Trails and Villages of Chicago and of Cook, DuPage and Will Counties.” Map. 1901. Chicago History Museum, ICHi-029629

Albert Schraf’s map from 1804 depicts the various trails used by American Indians and the surrounding villages established by settlers. This year marked the completion of Fort Dearborn, which began construction a year prior.. Trails are highlighted in red, villages in green, and the major waterways in blue. Many of these prominent trails would later be appropriated by settlers to establish the network of roads used in Illinois up until the Great Fire of 1871.

(Source: Chicago History Museum)

1812

NA. “Map of Chicago in 1812.” Map. 1812. Newberry Library

Depicting the surrounding area of Fort Dearborn, one can see the homes occupied by soldiers, merchants, factory workers, and armorers. At this point, American Indians were being forced from their ancestral lands and pushed outside the parameters of this map. This was one of many causes that led to the Battle of Fort Dearborn. The Potawatomi people emerged as victors and Fort Dearborn was subsequently burned down.

(Source: Newberry Library)

1835

NA. “Map of Chicago, 1835.” Map. 1835. Newberry Library

Two years after being incorporated as a town, American settlers are beginning to establish larger, permanent plots of land for residency. This map displays the 1835 additions to the original 1830 subdivision located south of Kinzie Street. It was commissioned by the Illinois and Michigan Canal commissioners.

1836

NA. “Map of Chicago and Additions, 1836.” Map. 1836. Chicago Historical Society, ICHi-37310

The expansion of Chicago’s infrastructure continues, as these additions cover more of the prairie land. This map served as a mandate for Lake Front Park, declaring that it shall forever remain free of any buildings or obstructions. Chicago would go on to be incorporated as a city in the following year.

1857

Palmatary, J. T. Inger, Christian. Herline & Hensel. and Braunhold & Sonne. “Chicago”. Lithograph. 1857. Library of Congress Geography and Map Division, G4104.C6A3

This perspective lithographic map was notably not drawn to scale, but depicts the lively atmosphere of Downtown Chicago in the mid-19th century. This year marked the opening of Chicago’s oldest family-owned business, Iwan Ries & Co.

1871

NA. “Map of Chicago Showing the Burnt District.” Map. 1971. Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, G4104.C6

After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, city officials sought quick action in analyzing the scope of damage that occurred within the city. The fire consumed over 3 square miles, beginning in the southwest region of the city and spreading upwards into the northern side. This resulted in the loss of roughly 73 miles of road and 17,500 buildings, as well as the death of roughly 300 people.

1874

Currier and Ives. “View of Chicago before the Great Chicago Fire.” Lithograph. 1870-1879. Chicago History Museum, ICHi-021375

Currier and Ives’ were commissioned to illustrate the landscape of Chicago prior to the fire of 1871. It was republished in 1892 to promote Chicago’s as the host of thee World’s Fair in 1893. Great detail was taken to emphasize the mouth of the canal and the many ships that occupied it.

1886

Rand McNally & Co. “Chicago Map.” Map. 1886. Chicago History Museum, ICHi-031337

Rand McNally’s 1886 depiction of Chicago includes the many boulevards, public parks, and lake front properties that were re-established after the fire. This was the year that the notable Haymarket Affair occurred. These were peaceful worker’s rights protest that broke out into a riot after a dynamite bomb was discharged during a conflict with the police..

1896

Carqueville Litho. Co. “Map of Chicago Showing Water Works System, Parks, Boulevards, and Railroads.” Map. 1896. Chicago History Museum, ICHi-176292

This lithograph was used by the City Map Department to illustrate the sprawling water works system within the city. It also gives a more expansive view of the various parks and boulevards making up Chicago’s infrastructure.

1918

Robertson, John Dill. “A Report on an Epidemic of Influenza in the City of Chicago in the Fall of 1918.” Map. 1918. Chicago History Museum, ICHi-176187

Included as an illustration from an educational series, this map surveys the impact of the 1918 pandemic within the city. It records the 1,499 influenza and 789 pneumonia deaths for the week beginning October 20. Roughly 8,500 Chicagoans would go on to lose their lives from the pandemic, which lasted until 1920.

1939

Hedrich-Blessing. “Population Density Map of Chicago, Illinois.” Map. 1943. Chicago History Museum, Hedrich-Blessing Collection, HB-07399-A

Hedrich-Blessing captures the population density of Chicago in the year 1939.

1943

Hedrich-Blessing. “Building Age and Height Map of Chicago, Illinois.” Map. 1943. Chicago History Museum, Hedrich-Blessing Collection, HB-07399-C

The height and age of buildings within the Central Business District are recorded here. At the time, the Chicago Board of Trade Building was considered the tallest building in the city at 604-feet. This ahs since been surpassed by the 1,450-foot Willis Tower.