What Is The Oldest Part Of Chicago?

A long way before Chicago was the modern city seen today, it began as a small settlement close to the banks of the Chicago River. The oldest part of the city can trace its history back to an area known as Wolf Point, which is where the river splits into the North and South branches of the river. It was here that the first settlers, mainly fur traders, arrived in the late 1700s.

Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a Haitian-French trader, was credited as being the first permanent non-Indigenous settler of Chicago. He built a trading post on the riverbank and established the community that was to grow to become a prime commercial center in the future. This was so because the river provided transportation, and access to goods made this place perfect for trade and settlement.

Further settling, with growing numbers and area development, soon made this community a small town by early in the 1800s. Native tribes that were seen trading with early settlers included Potawatomi who helped create what would one day be their area before ultimately being forced out via westward expansion as well as various treaties made on their own people.

The Chicago River Played An Important Role In The Growth Of The Oldest Areas Of The City

Wolf Point was just the beginning, but then it laid the foundation for what would eventually become downtown Chicago. The Chicago River helped in the growth and development of the city as it ensured easy transportation of goods and people. It eventually became a business hub with warehousing and shipping docks and then the railroads connecting the area to other parts of the country.

The riverfront was not simply a place to trade; rather, it is where the pulsing heart of early Chicago was. Taverns, small houses, and trading houses began mushrooming along its banks. Initial bridges were then constructed to bring both sides in closer proximity as people could finally travel across with ease to form what would one day be called the Loop district.

The Chicago River is an essential component of the city's character to this day. As you stroll along the Riverwalk, you may still spot historical relics in the old structures and bridges that were important to the early development of the city.

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The South Loop And Near North Side Are Some Of The Oldest Neighborhoods In Chicago

While Wolf Point is often considered the birthplace of Chicago, other nearby neighborhoods have deep historical significance as well. The South Loop, which contains Printer's Row and Dearborn Station, is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. It was an important printing center in the late 1800s and early 1900s, helping to spread news and information across the Midwest.

The Near North Side, like River North is a part of it, was another area deep in history. Some of Chicago's first mansions were established by wealthy dwellers who found an opportunity within the rapid development of the city. Some are still standing nowadays and show up with the architectures of the bygone days.

Even though the neighborhoods have changed throughout time, you may still see a hint of Chicago's past when you stroll through them. It ranges from cobblestone alleys to vintage signs to historic landmarks-the places continue to speak about the city's early days.

The Great Chicago Fire Destroyed Much Of The Oldest Parts Of The City But Some Historic Sites Survived

One of the largest disasters that befalls Chicago's historical areas is the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The fire lasted for two days and destroyed many buildings in the downtown area as well as hundreds of thousands. Most of the city was still made of wood, so flames spread rapidly leaving only a handful of structures to remain.

Some historic sites survived the devastation and are still in existence in Chicago. One of the few structures that made it through the fire was the Water Tower, which is now a well-known landmark on Michigan Avenue. Constructed in 1836, the Clarke House is one of Chicago's oldest structures still standing and has been conserved as a museum.

These are some of the structures that remind everyone of the resilience of this city. Having lost much of its original architectural layout, Chicago rebuilt itself stronger than ever and became one of the most recognizable cities worldwide.

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The Influence Of Chicago’s History Can Still Be Seen In Its Architecture And Historic Landmarks

Although most of the early Chicago City was lost in this fire, the city preserves some aspects of its past in the buildings and its famed landmarks. As far as the architecture of Chicago is concerned, it depicts its timeline representing periods with specific styles.

Probably as old as them all is Rookery Building, built by 1888, one of the oldest existing high-rises in Chicago to this day; Historic Pullman District, was originally built specifically for railroad worker housing, preserving a neighborhood snapshot of life, late 1800s.

Many of the older churches, theaters, and government buildings have also been preserved, providing a glimpse of the city's past. Stepping through these historic sites gives people the feel of what early Chicago might have been like.

Keeping The City’s Historic Neighborhoods And Buildings Clean Is Part Of Preserving Chicago’s Rich Past

The city of Chicago takes pride in its history and keeping its oldest buildings and neighborhoods clean and preserved is part of it. Whether historic hotels or century-old storefronts, cleaning and maintenance guarantee these places are in good shape for the generations that come along.

That's where a professional deep cleaning service comes in handy. Whether it's a historic home or a modern apartment, keeping your space clean can make all the difference in maintaining its beauty. If you're in Chicago and need a reliable deep cleaning service, there's no better way to refresh your home than by Deep Cleaning Chicago who knows how to handle every detail.

The Area Of Wolf Point Remains The Oldest Part Of Chicago And Continues To Shape The City's Identity And History

Even while Chicago's oldest neighborhood may not appear the same as it did in the eighteenth century, its influence on the growth of the city cannot be denied. Wolf Point and the surrounding areas laid the foundation for what Chicago would become, shaping its economy, culture, and architecture.

As the city continues to grow and expand outward, these historic locales remain a connection to the past for the city, reminding everyone just how far Chicago has come. Exploring the Riverwalk, visiting historical sites, or walking through old neighborhoods is, in fact, an experience of history that helped mold one of the country's greatest cities.

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