Chicago Illinois

Journey to the Land of Water Wind and Fire

Part A The Journey There: IIb

In addition to touring Navy Pier (see yesterday's posting) we also spent some time walking around the Chicago River area between Wacker and Illinois Avenues. We had done this area before so it was not totally new territory, but armed with information we had gleaned the day before, we found it more understandable.



The first thing we happened across was something we had never seen before a "fish hotel." Apparently, a group called "The Friends of the Chicago River" has undertaken this site as a project to promote aquatic life in the Chicago River by providing a place for fish to congregate. Their "hotel" has places for cover (some of the plants seen in the picture apparently have sent roots all the way down to the riverbed), and also food, mainly plant life. It is anchored to the riverbed wall near the corner of State and Wacker. So if you ever walk through that area, look for it. There is a sign about it posted along the wall next to the riverwalk.



The second place we saw, also on Wacker, was the Site of Fort Dearborn. This fort was erected during the early years of the 1st Jefferson administration (Henry Dearborn was his Secretary of War). During the War of 1812, apparently, August 12, 1812 according to one source, the overall commander of the area who was stationed in Detroit, decided Fort Dearborn was too isolated to be defended. Accordingly, he ordered all the inhabitants to leave and march to Fort Wayne (in present-day Indiana). Shortly after they left Fort Dearborn, at approximately the point where 18th Street crosses Prairie Ave in the present-day Prairie Avenue Historic District of Chicago (near the Glessner House which houses the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum), the column was attacked by some Native Americans who were loyal to the British cause. The attack soon turned into a massacre. The band then went up to the Fort and burned it to the ground. (It was subsequently re-built in 1816).



The actual site of the fort is close to the corner of Wacker and Michigan. In addition to the site markers pictured, there is a stone marker on the bridge itself, and a second on the riverwalk down below it. But you have to look fast, because this is a busy downtown Chicago intersection.

On our way back to our hotel, we walked through a Mall connected to the Nordstrom's Store on Michigan. While in there we ran into something we had never seen before. A special "comfort station" for your pet. So all you pet owners listen up, you can take your pets to Chicago and know that at least at one place in that big city, Fido (or Sydney if you please), will feel relieved.