Chicago Thematic Timeline

Social Studies
Settlement and Growth

Chicago Timeline

What are key dates in Chicago History?

1674 Pere Marquette built the first dwelling on what became Chicago 1773 - Jeanne Baptiste Pointe de Sable settled what is now known as Chicago 1804 - Fort Dearborn was erected on the Chicago River on the site of present-day downtown Chicago 1812 Battle at Ft. Dearborn by members of the Pottawatomie tribe leaving 26 militiamen and settlers dead and 15 native Americans dead 1835 Last of the Pottawatomie tribe leave Chicago 1837 - The Illinois state legislature granted a city charter to Chicago.

How do they fit the thematic study of Chicago History?

Social Studies
Settlement and Growth

Chicago Timeline

What are key dates in Chicago History?

1889 Hull House Opens, services home to poor and homeless 1890 Population tops 1 million, fastest growing city in U.S. 1919 Race riot between blacks and whites caused by Great Migration of Southern blacks to Chicago, over 38 killed and 500 injured 1950 Population tops out at 3.6 million 2010 Population declines to 2.7 million like most northern cities

How do they fit the thematic study of Chicago History?

Social Studies
The Chicago Fire and Its Effects

Chicago Timeline

What are key dates in Chicago History?

1871 - A fire broke out in or near Patrick and Catherine O'Leary's barn in the crowded southwestern section of Chicago. After 3 days the Great Chicago Fire was finally extinguished. Over 300 were killed. 1893 - The Worlds Columbian Exposition was officially opened in Chicago by President Cleveland. 1909 The Plan of Chicago published by Daniel Burhham 1933 - Chicago hosted the "Century of Progress Exhibition."

How do they fit the thematic study of Chicago History?

Social Studies
Architecture and Building What are key dates in Chicago History?

Chicago Timeline

1848 - A canal was completed that linked the Chicago River to the Illinois River. This connected the East Coast with the Mississippi River. 1883 - Chicago's "El" opened to traffic 1884 - Construction began on the first steel-skeleton skyscraper, a 10-story structure in Chicago, designed by William Le Baron Jenney. It stood 9 stories and had 2 added in 1891. 1900 - Chicago reversed the water flow of the Chicago River so that it would flow in from Lake Michigan and carry pollution out to drain into the Mississippi. 1930 - Retail tycoon Marshall Field built the Merchandise Mart as a city within a city. 1973 - Chicago's Sears Tower, the world's tallest building (443 m), topped out.

How do they fit the thematic study of Chicago History?