At the turn of the 20th century, the population of Chicago was over 1.7 million and the city was thriving with rapid economic growth. The manufacturing and retail sectors, fostered by the expansion of railroads throughout the upper Midwest and East. Chicago became the world’s largest rail hub and one of its busiest ports by shipping traffic on the Great Lakes.
Chicago’s population surged past two million in 1907 and three million in 1923. Chicago became notorious during the Prohibition years, the crime rates increased and the domestic homicides tripled. In 1916 the city completed the 2.4-kilometer-long Municipal (later Navy) Pier as a combination shipping warehouse and public recreation retreat.
Here below are some stunning historical photos of Chicago’s streets and landmarks from the early-20th century Also check, What Chicago looked like in the 1900s.
#1 Grant Park, south from Art Institute. Chicago circa 1911.
#2 Sailors at Great Lakes US Naval Training Station in Illinois, ca. 1915.
#3 Evans house east facade with porch to left and porte cochere to right, Chicago, 1912.
#4 Hull House, Chicago, 1911.
#5 Washington Boulevard, Chicago, 1911.
#6 Emigrants’ room, Chicago, 1912.
#7 State Street, Chicago. 1912.
#8 The Santa Fe grain elevator, head of the canal. Chicago circa 1915.
#9 The Santa Fe grain elevator, head of the canal. Chicago circa 1915.
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that’s michigan ave and a hotel, not a grain elevator
#10 View of the merchants and passersby at the South Water Street Market in Chicago, 1910s.
#11 Agents Destroying Slot Machines in Chicago, 1910s.
#12 Fire Engines at New Fire Station Chicago, 1917.
#13 Steamer Christopher Columbus. Chicago circa 1911.
#14 Madison Street, Hotel Brevoort & La Salle Opera House. Chicago ca. 1910.
#15 Grant Park and Blackstone Hotel on Michigan Avenue. Chicago circa 1910.
#16 Elizabeth McCormick Open Air School No. 2, on roof of Hull House boys club, 1917.
#17 Train sheds, Chicago & North Western Railway station. Chicago circa 1911.
#18 Van Buren Street Station. View north along Michigan Avenue. Chicago circa 1915.
#19 Grandstands at the Chicago Coliseum awaiting delegates to the Republican National Convention in June 1916.
#20 Chicago train sheds, Chicago & North Western Railway. Circa 1911-1915.
#21 In the heart of the shopping district on State Street, Chicago, 1914.
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the Chicago theater was built in 1921
