DuSable Bridge: Chicago's River Gateway

The DuSable Bridge, an iconic structure in the heart of Chicago, carries Michigan Avenue over the Chicago River. More than just a crossing, it's a symbol of the city's ingenuity, history, and architectural ambition. Originally known as the Michigan Avenue Bridge, it was renamed in 2010 to honor Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the city's founder.Completed in 1920, the DuSable Bridge was a key component of Daniel Burnham's 1909 Plan of Chicago, designed to modernize the city. The bridge is a double-deck, double-leaf trunnion bascule bridge, a pioneering design for its time. This allows both upper and lower levels to carry vehicular traffic. The bridge can be raised to allow ships to pass, with bridge lifts occurring around 50 times each year.The bridge's four bridgehouses are adorned with relief sculptures that depict scenes from Chicago's past. These sculptures represent French explorers, early settlers, the Fort Dearborn Massacre, and the city's rebuilding after the Great Chicago Fire. The bridge offers stunning views of the Chicago River and the city skyline. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, located in one of the bridge's tender houses, allows visitors to view the bridge's gears and learn about the Chicago River's history.