1886 Map of the Confluence of the North Branch of the Chicago River and the North Branch Canal.
Part of Elston's Add.
By: Elisha Robinson
Date: 1886 (dated) New York
Dimensions: 20.25 x 29.75 inches (51.5 x 75.5 cm)
A large scale map of Confluence of the North Branch of the Chicago River and the North Branch Canal, showing the southern tip of Goose Island and part of the River West neighborhood of Chicago.
The map is color-coded by the most common type of building material such as brick (pink), wood (yellow), stone (brown), and iron (blue). While this map was published after the great Chicago Fire of 1871, the buildings in this area found themselves at the edge of the flames and thus many were saved.
The large, bold numbers represent the "block number" and the smaller numbers differentiate individual lots from one another. Small numbers in a circle indicate the elevation of the street, two line side-by-side delineate sewer lines, and small circles with a cross denote the location of fire hydrants. Streets that are uncolored indicate that they have not been paved and are likely dirt or gravel. Circled letters throughout the map correspond to a list of divisions with the names of several land owners at the bottom of the map.
This portion of the city featured many interesting sites including a large distillery and cattle shed, "Standard Leather Works," several tanneries, coal sheds, a ship yard, a furniture factory, and the short lived Ernst Bros Brewing Co. (1884 - 1889). One can only assume that the cattle shed, tannery, and might have been owned by Standard Leather Works, but more research should be done to confirm.
Condition: This map is in A condition with bright and bold color on relatively clean paper and original linen backing. Some light damp staining is apparent in the lower portion of the map, but it does not distract from the overall appearance.
Inventory #11985
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