Untold Secrets of Chicago: Delving Into the City's Underground Layers
Chicago, famously known as the "Windy City," is a bustling metropolis that boasts a population of around 2.7 million, making it the third-largest city in the United States. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the city to marvel at its towering skyscrapers and vibrant festivals. However, beneath the shiny facade of this urban giant lies an intricate network of underground tunnels, passageways, and hidden spaces — a veritable world beneath the bustling streets of Chicago.
Taking a closer look at Chicago reveals that its extensive underground is more than just a hidden world; it's a product of the city’s historical development. One of the main streets, Lake Street, played a significant role in the city's early days. It served as the site for pivotal historical events, such as the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860. Yet, beneath this lively street, the ground tells stories that date back even further — tales of humble wooden alleys built during the 19th century to cope with the muddy mess that prevailed during the rainy season.
The layered construction of the streets above isn't just for aesthetics; it serves vital functions. With asphalt paving designed to absorb the wear and tear of vehicles and weather, underneath this lies a concrete base for stability. And if you delve deeper — up to 12 inches — remnants of the original wooden roads can still be found. This ingenuity in construction was necessary as the city expanded rapidly, leading to the foundation of modern Chicago as we know it.
Moving further down, the depths are occupied by crucial utilities. Gas lines lie buried at depths between 12 and 24 inches, while telecommunications infrastructure is positioned even deeper. These essential services form the city’s life support system, running unnoticed underfoot — a reminder of how deeply woven infrastructure is into urban life.
Engineering Marvels
Below the essential utilities, at depths of around 6.5 feet, the real innovation of 19th-century engineering emerges — foundations upon which buildings were raised. The radical technique of lifting entire structures to build new foundations beneath them was first employed in 1858, making Chicago a pioneering space for structural engineering. This incredible feat became the foundation of the city’s architectural resilience.
As we venture down to approximately 8 feet below, we unearth the lively world of speakeasies. These underground bars flourished during Prohibition in the 1920s when the sale of alcohol was banned. Places like the Green Door Tavern and Gold Star Bar were born from the economic opportunities of the time, cloaking their existence behind secrecy and coded signals like green doors.
The Chicago Pedway
At depths around 11.5 feet, we encounter the Chicago Pedway, an unprecedented system of tunnels and walkways designed to shield residents from the inhospitable Chicago weather. Established in 1951, this network connects major subway stations, office buildings, cafes, and shops, allowing people to move across the city sheltered from snow and rain.
Deeper still, at about 40 feet down, lies a forgotten network of freight tunnels. Established initially for telephone cables, they were retrofitted for freight transport in the early 20th century. For decades, these conduits served to move goods discreetly, helping maintain an efficient supply chain that countered the gridlock above.
A Haven for Criminals
The intricate network of tunnels was not without its nefarious uses. In the 1920s, these tunnels became a refuge for organized crime. Al Capone's gang utilized the underground passages for smuggling and evading law enforcement, showcasing a darker chapter in Chicago's underground history.
Continuing our journey down, at approximately 65 feet, we reach the Clark Lake Subway Station — a vital transportation hub connecting various subway lines. The expansion of Chicago's public transit in the early 20th century made the city more accessible, transforming urban mobility.
Lower Wacker Drive: A Haven for Racing
At depths nearing 75 feet, Lower Wacker Drive emerges as a pivotal system for traffic management, initially meant for utility services. Over time, this underground roadway has gained notoriety for becoming a hotspot for illegal street races and has been featured prominently in Hollywood films.
Finally, at a staggering depth of 295 feet, we encounter the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). This colossal underground complex was created to combat Chicago's severe flooding problems by redirecting rainwater and sewage, safeguarding the city’s crucial water supplies. The ambitious construction of TARP has not only transformed flood control in Chicago but has also improved environmental quality in the surrounding rivers and lakes.
Chicago’s underground is a microcosm of the city’s history, innovation, and resilience. From the early wooden streets to the bustling network of utilities, the hidden speakeasies of the 1920s, and intricate tunnel systems, the underground works harmoniously with the lively city above. As the demands of a modern city continue to evolve, one thing remains steadfast: the layers of history that lie beneath Chicago’s streets will forever be a vital part of its identity.
Part 1/9:
Untold Secrets of Chicago: Delving Into the City's Underground Layers
Chicago, famously known as the "Windy City," is a bustling metropolis that boasts a population of around 2.7 million, making it the third-largest city in the United States. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the city to marvel at its towering skyscrapers and vibrant festivals. However, beneath the shiny facade of this urban giant lies an intricate network of underground tunnels, passageways, and hidden spaces — a veritable world beneath the bustling streets of Chicago.
The Build-Up of Chicago's Underground
Part 2/9:
Taking a closer look at Chicago reveals that its extensive underground is more than just a hidden world; it's a product of the city’s historical development. One of the main streets, Lake Street, played a significant role in the city's early days. It served as the site for pivotal historical events, such as the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for president in 1860. Yet, beneath this lively street, the ground tells stories that date back even further — tales of humble wooden alleys built during the 19th century to cope with the muddy mess that prevailed during the rainy season.
Layers of Infrastructure
Part 3/9:
The layered construction of the streets above isn't just for aesthetics; it serves vital functions. With asphalt paving designed to absorb the wear and tear of vehicles and weather, underneath this lies a concrete base for stability. And if you delve deeper — up to 12 inches — remnants of the original wooden roads can still be found. This ingenuity in construction was necessary as the city expanded rapidly, leading to the foundation of modern Chicago as we know it.
The Complex Network of Utilities
Part 4/9:
Moving further down, the depths are occupied by crucial utilities. Gas lines lie buried at depths between 12 and 24 inches, while telecommunications infrastructure is positioned even deeper. These essential services form the city’s life support system, running unnoticed underfoot — a reminder of how deeply woven infrastructure is into urban life.
Engineering Marvels
Below the essential utilities, at depths of around 6.5 feet, the real innovation of 19th-century engineering emerges — foundations upon which buildings were raised. The radical technique of lifting entire structures to build new foundations beneath them was first employed in 1858, making Chicago a pioneering space for structural engineering. This incredible feat became the foundation of the city’s architectural resilience.
Part 5/9:
The Speakeasies of the 1920s
As we venture down to approximately 8 feet below, we unearth the lively world of speakeasies. These underground bars flourished during Prohibition in the 1920s when the sale of alcohol was banned. Places like the Green Door Tavern and Gold Star Bar were born from the economic opportunities of the time, cloaking their existence behind secrecy and coded signals like green doors.
The Chicago Pedway
At depths around 11.5 feet, we encounter the Chicago Pedway, an unprecedented system of tunnels and walkways designed to shield residents from the inhospitable Chicago weather. Established in 1951, this network connects major subway stations, office buildings, cafes, and shops, allowing people to move across the city sheltered from snow and rain.
Part 6/9:
Freight Tunnels of Chicago
Deeper still, at about 40 feet down, lies a forgotten network of freight tunnels. Established initially for telephone cables, they were retrofitted for freight transport in the early 20th century. For decades, these conduits served to move goods discreetly, helping maintain an efficient supply chain that countered the gridlock above.
A Haven for Criminals
The intricate network of tunnels was not without its nefarious uses. In the 1920s, these tunnels became a refuge for organized crime. Al Capone's gang utilized the underground passages for smuggling and evading law enforcement, showcasing a darker chapter in Chicago's underground history.
The Development of the Subway System
Part 7/9:
Continuing our journey down, at approximately 65 feet, we reach the Clark Lake Subway Station — a vital transportation hub connecting various subway lines. The expansion of Chicago's public transit in the early 20th century made the city more accessible, transforming urban mobility.
Lower Wacker Drive: A Haven for Racing
At depths nearing 75 feet, Lower Wacker Drive emerges as a pivotal system for traffic management, initially meant for utility services. Over time, this underground roadway has gained notoriety for becoming a hotspot for illegal street races and has been featured prominently in Hollywood films.
The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP)
Part 8/9:
Finally, at a staggering depth of 295 feet, we encounter the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP). This colossal underground complex was created to combat Chicago's severe flooding problems by redirecting rainwater and sewage, safeguarding the city’s crucial water supplies. The ambitious construction of TARP has not only transformed flood control in Chicago but has also improved environmental quality in the surrounding rivers and lakes.
Conclusion
Part 9/9:
Chicago’s underground is a microcosm of the city’s history, innovation, and resilience. From the early wooden streets to the bustling network of utilities, the hidden speakeasies of the 1920s, and intricate tunnel systems, the underground works harmoniously with the lively city above. As the demands of a modern city continue to evolve, one thing remains steadfast: the layers of history that lie beneath Chicago’s streets will forever be a vital part of its identity.