1921 Ward Map of the City of Chicago
DESCRIPTION
By: Anonymous
Date: 1921 (dated) Chicago
Dimensions: 27 x 16 inches
This important “Ward Map of the City of Chicago” marks the historic moment when the city officially adopted its now long-standing 50-ward structure, replacing the previous 35-ward system. Passed by the City Council on July 22, 1921, this map captures a pivotal shift in municipal governance, reflecting Chicago’s rapid expansion and the growing demand for equitable political representation.
This map delineates the city’s fifty aldermanic wards as approved by the City Council on July 22, 1921. Issued by the Board of Election Commissioners and signed by Chief Clerk Geo. F. Rochman and Cook County Judge Frank S. Righeimer, the map outlines each ward’s boundaries in clear, block-style form, showing street names, Lake Michigan’s shoreline contours, and key geographic features like Lake Calumet and Wolf Lake.
The map presents the city’s post-Fire expansion through early 20th century annexations and urban growth, capturing a moment just before the 1931 redistricting that would finalize Chicago's modern shape. Its fifty-ward system would soon become the enduring structure governing aldermanic representation for the city. As a product of the election authorities, the map was essential for administering municipal elections, ward-based governance, and planning in an era of rapid demographic and infrastructural change.
Condition: Map is in very fine condition issued folding, now mostly flat with dark printing on clean paper and full margins.
Inventory #13100
CONDITION
1200 W. 35th Street #425 Chicago, IL 60609 | P: (312) 496 - 3622