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From Smithsonian.com, there's an intriguing interactive historical map of Chicago before the Great Chicago Fire. This fascinating map, visible through a virtual spyglass, originates from the David Rumsey Map Collection. David Rumsey, a renowned map collector who began his passion in the 1980s, provides insight into the map's significance. He describes the detailed nature of the map, which is part of his extensive personal collection now boasting over 150,000 maps. This makes his collection one of the largest private archives in the U.S.
Rufus Blanchard, a prominent Chicago map publisher from the late 18th century, created this 1868 map for a guidebook titled "The Citizen’s Guide for the City of Chicago." The map itself is printed on thin paper yet remains remarkably resilient, making it ideal for residents or tourists needing a portable navigation tool in Chicago's rapidly expanding urban landscape. "Chicago was a very lively place, growing exponentially," Rumsey remarks, highlighting the intricate network of railroads as evidence of the city's rapid expansion.
"Right away, you'll notice the railroads depicted. There are approximately seven railroads converging into the city. Most of these railroads have disappeared today." To witness the city's growth, focus on the western part of the map where subdivisions emerge along street patterns, illustrating how neighborhoods developed in distinct clusters. However, don't overlook the eastern side—near Lake Michigan. "Chicago extended eastward by filling in parts of Lake Michigan," Rumsey explains. "This map is particularly exciting because it reveals how much land was reclaimed compared to earlier maps." The city utilized Lake Michigan creatively, such as creating new land by filling the shoreline and building structures like the "Lake Tunnel" and "Tunnel crib" in the upper-right section of the map, which transported fresh water from the lake back to the city.
This map portrays Chicago during a period of rapid growth—but this prosperity would soon face devastation. Less than five years later, the Great Chicago Fire would destroy vast sections of the city. Rumsey highlights large areas marked in pink, green, and pink to the north, and yellow and blue to the south, which would be engulfed by flames.
Thanks, Jeff!