This Is What Chicago Looked Like 100 Years Ago And It May Surprise You
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
Not even your grandparents remember what Chicago was like 100 years ago. From the architecture to the people, things are very different today than they were around 1918. Take time for a tiny little history lesson and check out these amazing photos from Chicago’s past.
This image shows a tour boat passing beneath a bridge on the Chicago River. Better known today as Roosevelt Road Bridge, it is an example of a Chicago Pratt truss bascule bridge.
Though it was not yet called Wrigley, this is the original stadium for the Chicago cubs. It was known as Weeghman Park then, and was just as popular as it is today. Obviously, it looks much different now.
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This was the year that Franklin Roosevelt visited the city, and a parade was held to welcome him. Here, you can see him going past Union Station.
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The Republican National Convention was held here in the city 100 years ago, when Charles Evans Hughes ran against Woodrow Wilson. As you can see, it was a popular event with many flocking to watch it live, as televisions had not yet been invented.
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Yet another great shot of this event, this is what it looked like inside the coliseum before eager citizens arrived to hear what candidates had to say at the Republican National Convention. They were obviously preparing for many to show up.
Here, you can see a police officer directing traffic in downtown Chicago. It is interesting to see how their uniforms have changed. Also, notice the ancient cars chugging down the road!
One of Chicago's infamous meat packing companies, this factory was located on the south side, where most other industrial work was to be found. Many immigrants worked day in and day out at these places in order to make ends meet.
Known as the city's first skyscraper, this building was wrecked by a bomb allegedly planted by disgruntled industrial workers. Though it appears the building is in a state of rubble, it was not completely torn down until 1965.
For more fun history lessons about the city, check out 12 things you didn’t know about Chicago’s past.
Do you have any photos of Chicago from 100 years ago? Share them with us in the comments below!
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