T. 39 N.R.14.E. of 3d P.M. [Chicago] - The West Loop in 1891, including the predecessor to Chicago's Union Station.

Greeley, Carlson, Co.

Publication Date: 1891

About this Item

This fabulously detailed map of several city blocks in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood was published in response to the devastating fire that rampaged through the city between October 8-10, 1871. The Greeley, Carlson Company, its creator, was one of the numerous publishers who issued atlases specifically for the fire insurance industry. In order to properly assess risk, insurers needed information on building size, construction material, and the availability of water. Surveys were painstakingly performed, usually on foot, and the results are among the most complete snapshots of the city's physical makeup in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The map, in theory, outlines every single building that existed at the time of publication. Color was applied by stencil and shows the construction material of each structure; gray is brick, light green is wood, brown is stone, and blue is iron. Crosses on a building footprint indicates its use as a stable, or otherwise likely to hold combustible materials. Water and sewer lines, street elevation (which affects the flow), fire hydrants, and cisterns are also all noted. The image is bounded by the south branch of the Chicago River, Harrison Street, Jefferson Street, and Madison Street. The former Union Depot (razed in 1925 to make way for today's Union Station) is featured prominently on the river's west bank. Almost all of the streets are paved (indicated by the light tinting), reflecting the commercial composition of the area. T he numerous factories include a bakery, safe and lock company, wagon works, Western Electric, and Detroit Stove works, among many others. Railroad properties are prevalent along the river, across which operate four swing bridges. A proposed tunnel, just north of Van Buren, is also noted. The map was issued as plate 30 in Volume I of Greely, Carlson & Company's second atlas of the city of Chicago. Published in the Lakeside Building by R.R. & R.H. Donnelley in 1891. Sheet Width (in) 23.5 Sheet Height (in) 32.3 Condition Description Brittle paper is chipped in a few places along the outer edges, and torn where the leather tab was formerly affixed to the right side. A bit of light scattered soiling as well, but overall in good condition.

Seller Inventory # C009077

Bibliographic Details

• Title: T. 39 N.R.14.E. of 3d P.M. [Chicago] - The West Loop in 1891, including the predecessor to Chicago's Union Station.
• Publication Date: 1891
• Condition: Very Good