Illinois Central finished their
Central Station in 1893 to run more trains for the
1983 World's Columbian Exposition. I've seen pictures of
the "White City." But this is the first time I have seen a view of where all those trains went. One of the many attractions of the exposition was
the Ferris Wheel.
The railroad terminal is in the upper-right corner of this overview.
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Association for Great Lakes Maritime History posted
A bird's-eye view of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Ill. published by Chicago-based Rand McNally and Co. (Image Source: Library of Congress - Geography and Map Collection Division). The massive dredging and marine construction work needed at the site was an early project of the newly-formed partnership of Lydow & Drews which became the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. in 1905. The Columbian Exposition was built on empty marshland bordering Lake Michigan. In addition to widespread dredging and pile driving, the event also required the construction of numerous lakefront docks and piers. Those structure were need to accommodate the millions of visitors who arrived at the Exposition by water. In an interesting side note, the replica battleship U.S.S. Illinois can be seen alongside a pier on the right-hand side of the image. Additional Historical Information - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. What became the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. was founded in 1890 as Lydon & Drews, a partnership of William A. Lydon and Fred C. Dew, both of Chicago, Ill. Its first project was the construction of a tunnel to extend the water intake line for Chicago to a new crib farther out into Lake Michigan. During the 1890s, the partnership experienced tremendous growth. Among its projects at the time were the dredging and shoreline structures needed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and pile driving for the foundation of what is currently Navy Pier. Based on its success in the Chicago area, the company soon opened satellite operations in major cities around the Great Lakes region. In 1905, the partnership changed its name to the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. and its fleet now included thirteen dredges and ten tugboats. During the period of 1905-1920, the company’s services grew to include the construction of foundations, bridges, breakwaters and lighthouses, along with dredging and pile driving. Examples of specific projects during the period of 1900-1950 include a large-scale water intake for what was then the new Gary Works of U.S. Steel in Gary, Ind., construction of the Sabin Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., shoreline reclamation for landmark parks and museums on Chicago’s lakefront, and construction of the foundations and approaches for many of the city’s iconic bridges. By 1920, the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. had expanded its operations to the East Coast of the U.S. During World War II, it was awarded a coveted E-Flag by the U.S. Navy for work on the MacArthur Lock at Sault Ste. Marie. After the war, the company continued its growth and worked on projects East, Gulf and West Coasts of the U.S. and many of the country’s inland waterways. The firm also expanded internationally through projects in the Middle East, Latin America, and other regions of the world. Information Source: |
There are significant differences between this plan and the Birds Eye above as to what actually got built. But this also shows the railroad terminal was in the northwest corner of the exposition.
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“surging sea of humanity.” opening day at columbian exposition, may 1st, 1893. b.w. kilborn, photographer. courtesy of bldg. 51 archive. Siobhan O'Connor Hartsell: October 9, 1893 was “Chicago Day” with the largest attendance of over 750,000 people. Can you imagine that! Mary Jo Hoag: Siobhan O'Connor Hartsell and I think this is Chicago Day, not opening day. |
Are the buildings in the background of this
1897 photo from the exhibition?
Eric J. Nordstrom
posted seven photos with the comment:
"dead white city."
unpublished louis magnue melander photographic images (scanned from recently discovered glass plate negatives) of the 1893 world columbian exposition taken shortly after it "officially" closed on october 30th, 1893.
courtesy of bld. 51 archive.
Lawrence M Kagan: I've read it was finally torn down in 1917. Fire hazard
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Eric J. Nordstrom
posted 13 photos with the comment:
second installment from "dead white city" photo series.
unpublished louis magnue melander photographic images (scanned from recently discovered stereoscopic glass plate negatives) of the 1893 world columbian exposition taken shortly after it "officially" closed on october 30th, 1893.
courtesy of bld. 51 archive.
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Eric J. Nordstrom
posted 11 photos with the comment:
third installment from "dead white city" photo series.
unpublished louis magnue melander photographic images (scanned from recently discovered stereoscopic glass plate negatives) of the 1893 world columbian exposition taken shortly after it "officially" closed on october 30th, 1893.
courtesy of bld. 51 archive.
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Eric J. Nordstrom
posted 17 photos with the comment:
fourth installment from "dead white city" photo series.
unpublished louis magnue melander photographic images (scanned from recently discovered stereoscopic glass plate negatives) of the 1893 world columbian exposition taken shortly after it "officially" closed on october 30th, 1893.
courtesy of bld. 51 archive
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