Chicago, Illinois, USA
1854 - Chicago

Chicago, she-kau'go, the most populous and commercial city of Illinois, and seat of justice of Cook county, is situated on the south-western shore of Lake Michigan, and on both sides of Chicago river, 278 miles W. by S. from Detroit, 180 miles E. by S. from Galena, and 410 miles by water from St. Louis. This city, which appears destined to become the chief commercial emporium of the North west, in consequence of its commanding situation, was settled about the year 1831, previous to which it was a mere trading post amidst the wigwams of the Indian. It was incorporated in 1836; in 1840 it contained 4853 inhabitants; in 1850, 29,963, and in 1853, not less than 60,000; from which it may be perceived that the population has doubled itself about every four years.

The ground on which the city stands is an extremely level plain, sufficiently elevated to prevent inundation, and extending many miles towards the south and west. The adjacent country consists of beautiful and fer tile prairies, interspersed with groves, and diversified by gentle slopes. Chicago river, and its North and South branches, which unite about three-quarters of a mile from the lake, separate the city into three portions. The main stream, flowing directly eastward, is from 60 to 75 yards wide, and from 15 to 20 feet deep, and forms one of the best natural harbors on the lake. Substantial piers have been extended into the lake, and a lighthouse erected on one of them. Vessels ascend Chicago river and one of its branches nearly 5 miles.

The city is laid out in rectangular blocks, with streets extending nearly north and south, and east and west. The shore of the lake and the northern parts of the city are occupied with the finest residences, but the principal business is transacted on the south side of the river, the banks of the South branch being lined with docks and large warehouses. Many of the streets are paved with planks and lighted with gas. Michigan avenue, which is, perhaps, the most beautiful street in the city, extends along the shore of the lake, and is bordered with shade- trees. Next to, and parallel with this, is Wabash avenue, adorned with double rows of trees.

The most remarkable public buildings are the new court house, the Merchants' Ex change, the Marine Hospital, the Medical College, and the Second Presbyterian church. The court house is a splendid edifice of Lock- port limestone, having a prison on the first floor, the county offices on the second, and a court room and town hall on the third, with a cupola and roof of galvanized iron. The Marine Hospital is a spacious and handsome building, of Milwaukee brick. The Second Presbyterian church, at the corner of Wabash and Washington streets, in the Gothic style, with a steeple about 200 feet high, is perhaps the most beautiful edifice of its class west of New York. It is built of a kind of pitchy stone, in which black and white are mingled, and presents a singular and striking appearance. Chicago contains 7 banks and about 20 printing offices, from which numerous daily and weekly journals are issued. The public schools are well organized, and are accommodated with excellent buildings.

By a glance at the map of the United States, the great commercial advantages of Chicago will at once be perceived. It communicates by means of the chain of lakes with the Atlantic cities ; the Illinois and Michigan canal, J 00 miles long, affords an easy access to the Mississippi valley, and to the coal mines of Central Illinois ; while the Galena and Chicago railroad penetrates to the mineral region of Wisconsin and Iowa. The Michigan Central and Michigan Southern rail roads were completed to this place in 1852, opening a direct steam communication with New York city. Numerous other lines centering in this city are in process of construction, namely, the Illinois Central, which will extend to the mouth of the Ohio, and connect with the Mobile railroad; the Illinois and Wisconsin, the Chicago and Rock Island, the Chicago and Milwaukee railroad, &c...

The city is supplied with water from the lake, raised by steam power to a brick reservoir, 80 feet in height, situated at the foot of Chicago avenue. The estimated cost of these works is $400,000. The Chicago and Galena Railroad Company have erected a fine depot for passengers, and another for freight, which is about 800 feet in length.

Among the hotels of Chicago may be mentioned the Tremont House, which is one of the largest as well as one of the very best establishments of the kind in the United States.


A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

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