City - Chicago, IL - The United Straits 1909
by Mike Savad
Title
City - Chicago, IL - The United Straits 1909
Artist
Mike Savad
Medium
Photograph - Hand Colored Photo
Description
Hand colored photo from 1909
Original title: Steamboat United States passing State Street bridge
Photographer: Detroit publishing
Location: Chicago River by State Street bridge, IL
It's amazing how much an area can change in a century. This spot is near Dearborn Street, with the bridge in front being the State Street Bridge, now in its fourth iteration. The original bridge was a wooden center-rotating design, but it burned down in the Great Fire. Over time, it was replaced by a series of metal bridges. The version shown here is a Scherzer rolling lift bridge, built in 1903 and in use until it was replaced in 1949.
The boat pictured is part of the Michigan City-Chicago Line, named the "United States," which ferried passengers across the lake. At that time, the river was heavily polluted, serving as a dumping ground for industrial and human waste. The entire area was dominated by factories and had a highly industrial atmosphere.
During the 1920s and 1930s, the Great Depression brought many changes. As industries began to decline, efforts were made to transform the area. Art Deco elements were introduced to the bridges and buildings, and the city started to beautify and modernize itself.
Uploaded
September 27th, 2024
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