City Streets

City Streets: Michigan Street Had a Mob Riot
City Streets

Michigan Street Had a Mob Riot

And a dispute involving the streetcar, which ultimately won the day.

City Streets: Van Buren Named After Democratic Vice-President
City Streets

Van Buren Named After Democratic Vice-President

Solomon Juneau was a Democrat and named many streets after members of his party.

City Streets: Highland Was Known as “Sauerkraut Boulevard”
City Streets

Highland Was Known as “Sauerkraut Boulevard”

It was also Johnson St. and Prairie St. before its name changed.

City Streets: Marshall Street Attracted Orphans
City Streets

Marshall Street Attracted Orphans

Not to mention delinquent boys. Yet it was named after a famed judge.

City Streets: The Short Swampy History of Chicago Street
City Streets

The Short Swampy History of Chicago Street

Built on a marsh, it became a magnet for immigrants.

City Streets: Astor Street Was For The “Bluebellies”
City Streets

Astor Street Was For The “Bluebellies”

The highest point between lake and river was where wealthiest people settled.

City Streets: Ogden and Lyon Almost Obliterated
City Streets

Ogden and Lyon Almost Obliterated

Park East Freeway would have run to lakefront, eliminating both streets.

City Streets: Paving Prospect Pitted Neighbor Against Neighbor
City Streets

Paving Prospect Pitted Neighbor Against Neighbor

In 1895, neighbors wrestled over an issue: should the street be paved with asphalt or wooden blocks?

City Streets: Farwell Developed Due To Streetcar
City Streets

Farwell Developed Due To Streetcar

And was named after the man who claimed he saved Vice-president Andrew Johnson.

City Streets: Wells Street Has Quite a History
City Streets

Wells Street Has Quite a History

That includes the impact of plutocrat Daniel Wells, Greta Garbo and an Irish/German riot.

City Streets: Broadway, the Street of Tragedies
City Streets

Broadway, the Street of Tragedies

Three of the most tragic incidents in city history happened on Broadway.

City Streets: Clybourn Was Once the City’s Main Street
City Streets

Clybourn Was Once the City’s Main Street

All the lake traffic got off at Clybourn and hotels and restaurants lined the street.