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Chicago’s Railroad Stations
Great Central Depot
Great Central Station Trainshed.
Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper,
August 30, 1856
From Chicago Illustrated
Great Central Depot
Artist: Louis Kurz
Publisher: Jevne & Almini
Location: Adams Street and Michigan Avenue
Published: January 1866
CENTRAL DEPOT—This view is taken from a point near the junction of Adams street and Michigan avenue. It presents the Great Central Passenger Depot, from which depart trains of the Illinois Central Railroad, the Michigan Central, and the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railways. To the right of the depot are two mammoth elevators, named A and B, which are erected on the river. The light-house marks the northern point of the entrance to the harbor. Beyond, two miles out in the lake, is the Crib—the huge structure anchored there being the lake end of the tunnel through which the city is to draw is supply of water. Between the elevators and the railway building may be seen a portion of the shipping which line the harbor. From the station-house, southwardly, is the railroad track, running due south. This track is constructed on trestle-work, and is protected on the lake side by a heacy break-water, constructed of piles, filled with stone. Between the track and Michigan avenue is a large park, one mile in length, and which is almost two-thirds covered with water. In summer this charming body of water is used for aquatic pleasures, yachts and row-boats, and in winter for skating. When this park is planted and beautified, as it should be, it will be a charming resort. This view includes only a small portion of the north end of the park.
To the west of the depot may be seen the Adams House, which is located on the corner of Michigan avenue and Lake street.
This is one of the most familiar pictures in Chicago. There are but few strangers who do not visit Michigan avenue, from which is spread out the lake in all its grandeur. The depot building, which is the finest kind in the West, was designed by Otto Matz, Esq., an architect residing in Chicago.
James W. Sheahan, Esq.
January 1866
Photographer: John Carbutt
Illinois Central Railroad Depot
Alexander Hesler
1858
Illinois Central Depot
Foot of Lake Street
Photograph by John Carbutt
Illinois Central Depot
SUMMARY
It opened on June 21, 1856, cost $250,000 and for a time was the largest building in downtown Chicago. The train shed was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 but remained in operation. A subsequent fire in 1874 damaged the head house The station proved inadequate to handle growing traffic and was closed on April 17, 1893 in favor of Central Station. Millennium Station, formerly Randolph Street Terminal, sits on the location.
Fantastic stuff.