Chicago became an official city in the 1830s, and it has since accumulated a wealth of history. Our timeline is best preserved in still shots of various events, buildings, and people. These are 13 of the oldest photos of the city we were able to scrounge up.
Although some are blurry and off-colored, this is a reflection on the technology of the time, but these incredible images tell the tale of our city. Take a trip back in time with us and learn the history behind these vintage photographs.
Known today as the Midway, this is one of the oldest photos of the Midway Plaisance.
Wikimedia Commons/E. Benjamin Andrews The park was designed by one of the creators of Central Park in New York and is famous for hosting the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, when this photo was taken. The amusement brought to town a wealth of intriguing things to see and do.
In 1893, the grounds where the World’s Columbian Expo were held caught fire, and this ancient image preserves the hysteria.
Wikimedia Commons/E. Benjamin Andrews It shows an electricity building as well as mines and mining buildings with people in fancy clothing running away or staring in awe.
This photograph was taken at the 1912 Republican National Convention, which was held at the Chicago Coliseum.
Flickr/The Library of Congress It depicts some of the most stunning architecture that once graced the city and was once used to host large sporting events and exhibitions.
Taken in 1915, this is a photo of Market Day in Blue Island, which used to occur the first Thursday of every month.
Wikimedia Commons/Burnhamandroot You can see many horses and wagons with people lined up to buy and sell their goods. Many items like produce, livestock, and farm equipment were typically available.
Depicting the Seymour School in Blue Island, this photograph is from 1917.
Wikimedia Commons/The Harmon Company The school was built in 1892, but it didn’t always look this way. The third floor was added in 1896. As it fell into ruin, it became a hazard to children and was taken down when the town decided to remodel.
This image is from the turn of the 20th century and depicts the Bascule Railroad Bridge with the Taylor Street Bridge just beyond.
Wikimedia Commons/Spangineer Both spanned the Chicago River and have since been removed. The photo was taken from the Roosevelt Road Bridge (former 12th Street).
Opened in 1897, this is one of the first Chicago Public Library locations.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown The photo was taken in 1920 before there were 80 different places in town to get books. The building is an immense and stunning piece of architecture that is now the Chicago Cultural Center.
Shot prior to 1900, this is an image of the Palmer Castle (or Palmer Mansion) which was the residence of Potter Palmer.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown It faced the lake on Lake Shore Drive and was one of largest private estates in the city. It was demolished in 1950.
Photographed around 1911, this shot shows the Paris Brothel, which was a saloon in the Levee district.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown It was located at 2101 Armour Street, but was shut down after the owner was convicted of human trafficking.
Chicago’s amazing history is preserved in this incredible shot of Theodore Roosevelt visiting Chicago in 1915.
Wikipedia/Unknown You can see him coming down the street in a motorcade. His brigade passes by Union Station as crowds gather to marvel.
Showcasing a quiet street in Rogers Park, this image was taken in 1921.
Wikimedia Commons/Global Pillage It is a shot of West Arthur Avenue taken from the Union Pacific track. You can see vintage cars, lovely houses, as well as a factory in the distance.
This image of the interior of the Chicago Stadium was taken in 1930 just before a Blackhawks game, one year after the arena opened.
Wikipedia/Unknown The place is packed because Chicagoans have always loved their Hawks! The stadium closed in 1994 and the team now plays at the United Center.
We saved the oldest photo for last, because it’s a little strange…
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown It is a photo of the Rush Medical College class of 1884. It is a little weird as everyone is looking in different directions and one appears to be sleeping! Thanks goodness we’ve gotten better at taking photos over time.
If you love cool pictures, check out 10 most incredible places you’ll want to take your camera in Chicago.
Wikimedia Commons/E. Benjamin Andrews
The park was designed by one of the creators of Central Park in New York and is famous for hosting the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, when this photo was taken. The amusement brought to town a wealth of intriguing things to see and do.
It shows an electricity building as well as mines and mining buildings with people in fancy clothing running away or staring in awe.
Flickr/The Library of Congress
It depicts some of the most stunning architecture that once graced the city and was once used to host large sporting events and exhibitions.
Wikimedia Commons/Burnhamandroot
You can see many horses and wagons with people lined up to buy and sell their goods. Many items like produce, livestock, and farm equipment were typically available.
Wikimedia Commons/The Harmon Company
The school was built in 1892, but it didn’t always look this way. The third floor was added in 1896. As it fell into ruin, it became a hazard to children and was taken down when the town decided to remodel.
Wikimedia Commons/Spangineer
Both spanned the Chicago River and have since been removed. The photo was taken from the Roosevelt Road Bridge (former 12th Street).
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown
The photo was taken in 1920 before there were 80 different places in town to get books. The building is an immense and stunning piece of architecture that is now the Chicago Cultural Center.
It faced the lake on Lake Shore Drive and was one of largest private estates in the city. It was demolished in 1950.
It was located at 2101 Armour Street, but was shut down after the owner was convicted of human trafficking.
Wikipedia/Unknown
You can see him coming down the street in a motorcade. His brigade passes by Union Station as crowds gather to marvel.
Wikimedia Commons/Global Pillage
It is a shot of West Arthur Avenue taken from the Union Pacific track. You can see vintage cars, lovely houses, as well as a factory in the distance.
The place is packed because Chicagoans have always loved their Hawks! The stadium closed in 1994 and the team now plays at the United Center.
It is a photo of the Rush Medical College class of 1884. It is a little weird as everyone is looking in different directions and one appears to be sleeping! Thanks goodness we’ve gotten better at taking photos over time.
Do you have any amazing old photos of Chicago? Share your images with us below!
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