Population | 1837 | 1847 | 1853 | 1863 | 1869 | 1876 | Map |
The city was approaching 100,000 people and more area was needed for housing and industry.
| Ward | Division | North | South | East | West |
| 1st | South | Chicago River | 31st St | Lake Michigan | State St |
| 2nd | South | Chicago River | 31st St | State St | Clark St |
| 3rd | South | Chicago River | 31st St | Clark St | Wells St |
| 4th | South | Chicago River | 31st St | Wells St | Chicago River |
| 5th | West | Randolph St | Harrison St | Chicago River | Western Ave |
| 6th | West | North Ave | Randolph St | Chicago River | Western Ave |
| 7th | North | Fullerton Ave | Chicago River | La Salle St | Chicago River |
| 8th | North | Lake Michigan | Chicago River | Wolcott St | La Salle St |
| 9th | North | Lake Michigan | Chicago River | Lake Michigan | Wolcott St |
| 10th | West | Harrison St | Chicago River | Chicago River | Western Ave |
Notes: Bold indicates city limits. The 7th Ward extended north to Fullerton between Sedgwick and LaSalle Streets. North of the Chicago River, State Street was named Wolcott Street.
