Chicago’s history is deeply intertwined with its bridges, vital arteries connecting the city across the Chicago River. While numerous bridges throughout the region have been rebuilt and relocated over time, downtown Chicago’s bridges largely remain in their original 1850s locations, positioned along crucial streets facilitating movement in and out of the Loop. These essential structures, however, haven’t been static. Many have been reconstructed multiple times, necessitated by devastating events and driven by advancements in bridge engineering. The main stem of the Chicago River witnessed the complete destruction of all its bridges on two separate occasions in the 19th century: first in March 1849, when a powerful spring storm and ice floes swept them away, and again in the catastrophic Chicago Fire of October 1871. Rush Street in Chicago stands as a significant example of this bridge evolution, having seen four bridges span the river at this key location.
The first Rush Street bridge, a swing bridge, was erected in 1857. Tragically, this initial structure was destroyed in an accident in 1863 but was quickly rebuilt. The relentless Chicago Fire of 1871 once again obliterated all bridges across the main river stem, including the Rush Street bridge. Resilience prevailed, and another swing bridge was constructed at the same Rush Street site. This iteration proved far more enduring than its predecessors, lasting well into the 20th century, even as other downtown swing bridges were replaced by more modern trunnion bascule bridges. However, with the completion of the grand Michigan Avenue Bridge in 1920, the era of the Rush Street swing bridge came to an end, and it was subsequently demolished.
The inaugural bridge across the main stem of the Chicago River at Rush Street, completed in 1857, was a testament to early engineering. This swing bridge, constructed from iron and timber and featuring a central support, represented an early application of iron in bridge building in the western United States. The total cost of construction amounted to $48,000, a significant sum at the time. An 1860 photograph, looking southward towards the bridge, clearly illustrates the central support structure. Interestingly, despite the bridge’s swing operation, no gates were present at its ends, a practice common at the time, even with pedestrians, vehicles, and animals on the bridge during openings.
An 1861 engraving provides a visual echo of the 1860 photograph of the Rush Street swing bridge, reinforcing its design and appearance. While the engraved bridge approaches are depicted with a cleaner aesthetic, the fundamental bridge design remains consistent with the photographic record. However, the engraving enriches the scene with increased activity, introducing sailing ships and steamships to the river traffic, and populating the bridge approaches with more figures. Plumes of smoke emanating from nearby factories and a steamship are also prominent in the artistic rendering, serving as a mid-nineteenth-century visual shorthand for economic prosperity.
Disaster struck the Rush Street Bridge on November 3, 1863, leading to its destruction. The bridge was heavily laden with a herd of cattle when the sudden, loud whistle of a passing ship startled the animals. In a panicked reaction, the cattle stampeded off the bridge and plunged into the Chicago River. Despite the damage, the bridge was repaired and returned to service. Tragically, its lifespan was again cut short when it was consumed by the Great Chicago Fire on the night of October 8, 1871.
Following the devastation of the 1871 Chicago Fire, the Rush Street swing bridge was once more rebuilt, demonstrating the vital importance of this crossing. Around the turn of the 20th century, as captured in a photograph taken circa 1900, the movable bridge continued to operate amidst the bustling activity of the Chicago River, accommodating a diverse array of shipping traffic. This image provides a glimpse into the river’s crucial role in Chicago’s commerce and transportation at the time, with the Rush Street bridge serving as a key element in the city’s infrastructure.
The story of the Rush Street bridges encapsulates the dynamic history of Chicago’s urban development and its continuous adaptation to technological advancements and unforeseen challenges. From early iron and timber swing bridges to their eventual replacement, these structures reflect the city’s growth, resilience, and commitment to maintaining vital connections across the Chicago River.
