12 Photos That Show How Much Chicago Has Changed... And How Much It Hasn't
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published October 26, 2017
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Chicago is almost 200 years old and much has happened since the time of its birth. These 12 vintage photos will take you right back to the past. Some parts of the city have completely transformed since these shots were taken, while other areas seem like they haven’t changed a bit. You won’t find these photos in your history books, so keep scrolling for a little peek into what Chicago looked like over a century ago.
1. Once one of the most prominent and historical buildings in downtown, Grand Union Station was a railroad terminal from 1890 to 1969.
He played for the Cubs for seven years before moving to the St. Louis Cardinals, so he's kind of a traitor. Regardless, it's still the same Wrigley Field everyone knows and loves, just with different players (and different outfits) these days.
6. The Paris Brothel, photographed here in 1911, was a saloon in the Levee, Chicago's red-light district during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
This photo was taken in 1920, and though somewhat grainy, you can see the intricate Gothic details of the architecture.
11. This amazing photo shows what life looked like in color in downtown Chicago in the early 1900s. It depicts the corner of Dearborn and Randolph streets, which is still one of the busiest intersections in the city.
The one at Navy Pier is a replica of this first model, but if you want to see it, you better stop by fast. Plans for a remodel are set for the very near future.
Which of these old photos surprised you the most? There are definitely a few places that haven’t changed much over the decades, but it’s amazing to see how different many of these locations look today! Do you have any old photos of the city? Share your blasts from the past with us in the comments below, or on the Only In Chicago Facebook page or Instagram (@onlyinchicago) using #onlyinchicago!
