DuSable Bridge: Chicago's River Gateway

The DuSable Bridge is more than just a functional structure; it's a symbol of Chicago's history and innovation. Completed in 1920 as part of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago, the bridge was designed to improve transportation and enhance the city's riverfront. Its Beaux-Arts style, reminiscent of the Alexander III Bridge in Paris, adds a touch of elegance to the cityscape.The bridge's double-deck design, with roadways on both levels, was considered groundbreaking at the time of construction. This allows for efficient traffic flow, separating faster, non-commercial vehicles on the upper level from slower commercial traffic on the lower level. The bridge is a trunnion bascule bridge, a type of movable bridge with counterweights that allow the bridge to be raised for boat traffic.Adorning the bridge's four bridgehouses are bas-relief sculptures that depict significant moments in Chicago's history. These sculptures represent French explorers, early settlers, the Fort Dearborn Massacre, and the rebuilding of the city after the Great Chicago Fire. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum, located in the southwest bridgehouse, offers visitors a chance to learn more about the bridge's history and operation.Today, the DuSable Bridge remains a defining image of Chicago, appearing in movies, television shows, and news broadcasts. It serves as the central landmark for the annual St. Patrick's Day dyeing of the Chicago River and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.