
City - Chicago, IL - Construction of CTA tracks in Chicago 1895

by Mike Savad
Title
City - Chicago, IL - Construction of CTA tracks in Chicago 1895
Artist
Mike Savad
Medium
Photograph - Hand Colored Photo
Description
Hand colored photo from 1895
Original title: Lake and Wabash, Construction of CTA tracks, Chicago
Photographer: Unknown
Location: Lake and Wabash, Chicago, IL
The construction of the CTA elevated tracks at Lake and Wabash in 1895 marked the dawn of Chicago's iconic "L" system. Workers assembled steel girders and wooden platforms, creating a transformative elevated transit network that revolutionized urban transportation. By lifting trains above street level, the system allowed traffic to flow unimpeded below while providing commuters an efficient way to navigate the city. This innovation turned the Loop into a bustling hub of commerce and connectivity, cementing the "L" as a defining feature of Chicago's infrastructure and identity.
Looking westward on Lake Street from Wabash in 1895, the construction of the first segment of the Loop Elevated is vividly captured. Before the Loop's construction, three independent 'L' companies had terminals at the edges of what is now the Loop, with a fourth terminal planned but not yet operational. The steel structure visible in these early photos remains largely intact today, forming the foundation for sections of the Loop traversed by modern trains at State/Lake and Clark/Lake. These were the first parts of the Loop to open, predating the completion of its full, circuitous route.
Charles Tyson Yerkes, a controversial yet influential transit magnate, spearheaded the project. Convincing city officials and local business owners of the Loop's potential required significant effort on his part. Despite opposition and challenges, Yerkes succeeded in realizing his vision of an elevated track system that connected all the 'L' lines, granting direct access to downtown Chicago. This innovation not only facilitated seamless travel from neighborhoods to the city center but also established the foundation for a fully integrated transit system serving all of Chicago.
After completing his work in Chicago, Yerkes moved on to New York and later London, where he played a pivotal role in the expansion of the London Underground. His legacy, though complicated, is marked by his transformative contributions to urban transit in two of the world's greatest cities.
And on the right hand side, you'll see a giant gun.
Uploaded
January 20th, 2025
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