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Site of Old Fort Dearborn

Explore the place where Chicago's history began, marked by plaques and stories of the 19th-century Fort Dearborn.

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Visit the site of Old Fort Dearborn, a pivotal 19th-century military outpost in Chicago's history. Though the original fort is gone, the location is marked with plaques detailing its story and significance in the early development of the city. It's located near the Michigan Avenue Bridge.

A brief summary to Site of Old Fort Dearborn

  • London House, E Lower Wacker Dr, Chicago, Chicago Loop, Illinois, 60601, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Look for the bronze markers embedded in the sidewalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive to see the fort's original boundaries.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Chicago Riverwalk for scenic views and easy access to other attractions.
  • Visit nearby Millennium Park and other downtown landmarks to make the most of your trip to the Loop.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near Millennium Park, walk north on Michigan Avenue until you reach the DuSable Michigan Avenue Bridge. The Site of Old Fort Dearborn is located at the southern end of the bridge, near London House on E Lower Wacker Dr.

  • Public Transport

    From anywhere in the Chicago Loop, head to the nearest 'L' station. Take any train that stops at State/Lake Station. From there, walk east towards the Chicago River and Lower Wacker Drive. The site is located near London House. A single ride on the 'L' costs $2.50.

  • Taxi/Ride Share

    Request a ride directly to London House, E Lower Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601. Depending on your starting location in Chicago, expect to pay between $10 and $20 for a ride. Taxi fares have a base rate of $3.25, plus $2.25 per mile.

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Discover more about Site of Old Fort Dearborn

The Site of Old Fort Dearborn marks the location of a United States fort constructed in 1803 on the south bank of the Chicago River. Named in honor of Henry Dearborn, U.S. Secretary of War, the fort played a crucial role in the region's early settlement and military history. The fort was the U.S. Army's westernmost outpost in the early 19th century and marked the first major investment on new federal land in this region. Non-native settlement of Chicago remained sparse until after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, when Fort Dearborn was built. The original fort was destroyed in 1812 during the Battle of Fort Dearborn, a conflict with local Native American tribes. It was rebuilt in 1816 on the same site and served as a center for military activity during the Black Hawk War. The fort was decommissioned in 1837, and eventually, the city's growth led to its demolition in 1857. The last vestiges of Fort Dearborn were destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Today, the site is commemorated as one of the four red stars on the Chicago flag. Bronze markers embedded in the sidewalk at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive mark where the walls of the fort once stood. Visitors can learn about the fort's history through plaques and information signs.

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