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Looking north on Michigan Avenue in 1868, with the homes of prosperous businessmen on the left. Grant Park was nothing more than a marsh-filled lagoon, with rail lines on the right, between Lake Michigan and the lagoon-like area. The estimated vantage point of this photo is from where Congress Avenue is now located.
Looking north on Michigan Avenue in 1868, with the homes of prosperous businessmen on the left. Grant Park was nothing more than a marsh-filled lagoon, with rail lines on the right, between Lake Michigan and the lagoon-like area. The estimated vantage point of this photo is from where Congress Avenue is now located.
This is an 1890's view of the Grant Park area looking north, showing how it appeared when it was known as Lake Park and cluttered with rail yards and tents. Troops camped in Grant Park in 1894 during the Pullman strike and a reunion of Civil War veterans also camped in the park in 1890.
This is an 1890’s view of the Grant Park area looking north, showing how it appeared when it was known as Lake Park and cluttered with rail yards and tents. Troops camped in Grant Park in 1894 during the Pullman strike and a reunion of Civil War veterans also camped in the park in 1890.
California aviator Lincoln Beachey, seen here in Grant Park in 1911, was an early aviation daredevil who exhibited his prowess at an airshow held at the park in August of 1911. The Tribune reported that Beachey was the “biggest star of the nine days.” He is seen here in his Curtiss biplane.
Aviator Lincoln Beachey, in his Curtiss biplane, wowed the crowds at an air show in Grant Park in August of 1911. Beachey broke the world altitude record during the nine day show by flying 11,642 feet above ground.
Aviator Lincoln Beachey, in his Curtiss biplane, wowed the crowds at an air show in Grant Park in August of 1911. Beachey broke the world altitude record during the nine day show by flying 11,642 feet above ground.
The Art Institute, shown here in about 1900, was founded as the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in 1879 to “carry on appropriate activities conducive to the artistic development of the community.”
Recruits practice marching in Grant Park in 1917 in preparation for fighting in World War I. The Art Institute is in the background.
Recruits practice marching in Grant Park in 1917 in preparation for fighting in World War I. The Art Institute is in the background.
The first aero-mail service from the Great Lakes Naval Training base to Chicago landed at Grant Park on Oct. 5, 1918. Pilots Lee Hammond and Duncan Forbes, both of the Great Lakes Flying Corp., brought a message to Chicago and Liberty Loan officials: “Buy Liberty Bonds.” The flight marked the establishment of a regular airmail service between Chicago and the base.
Troops from the Illinois National Guard march in Grant Park during World War I. Undated photo.
Troops from the Illinois National Guard march in Grant Park during World War I. Undated photo.
The Art Institute in Chicago was the only building allowed to be built in Grant Park. Photo circa 1910-1920.
The Art Institute in Chicago was the only building allowed to be built in Grant Park. Photo circa 1910-1920.
The Wingfoot Air Express dirigible is shown at Grant Park in an undated photo. In July 1919, the Wingfoot crashed through the skylight of the Illinois Trust and Savings bank, causing a fire and killing 13 people. By 1930, airplanes were no longer allowed to land or take off from Grant Park.
The Wingfoot Air Express dirigible is shown at Grant Park in an undated photo. In July 1919, the Wingfoot crashed through the skylight of the Illinois Trust and Savings bank, causing a fire and killing 13 people. By 1930, airplanes were no longer allowed to land or take off from Grant Park.
Chicago Police Department inspection at Grant Park, circa June 6, 1919.
Chicago Police Department inspection at Grant Park, circa June 6, 1919.
A group of around-the-world flyers landed their Douglas cruisers at an air mail strip in Grant Park to much fanfare on Sept. 16, 1924. One of the three planes in the group was the ship “Chicago.” The six pilots and three planes became the first to fly around the world. The trip took 175 days with stops in 61 cities, including Chicago.
The Van Buren Street pedestrian bridge is built at Grant Park, circa Oct. 27, 1926. The bridge spans over the railroad below.
The Van Buren Street pedestrian bridge is built at Grant Park, circa Oct. 27, 1926. The bridge spans over the railroad below.
Mary Duzan in a canoe made of snow at Grant Park in an undated photo. The Art Institute is in the background.
Mary Duzan in a canoe made of snow at Grant Park in an undated photo. The Art Institute is in the background.
Looking south at Grant Park from the top of the Tribune Tower in 1927.
Looking south at Grant Park from the top of the Tribune Tower in 1927.
The Rev. W. Clyde Howard, from left, Charles S. Cutting, Edward J. Kelly, Leonard A. Busby, George P. Merrick and William J. Lauterbach at the unveiling of 'The Seated Lincoln' statue in Grant Park on May 31, 1926. The monument was the last work created by Irish-born sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and sits just east of South Columbus Drive. It was a gift from wealthy (and long-dead) Chicagoan John Crerar.
The Rev. W. Clyde Howard, from left, Charles S. Cutting, Edward J. Kelly, Leonard A. Busby, George P. Merrick and William J. Lauterbach at the unveiling of ‘The Seated Lincoln’ statue in Grant Park on May 31, 1926. The monument was the last work created by Irish-born sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and sits just east of South Columbus Drive. It was a gift from wealthy (and long-dead) Chicagoan John Crerar.
On July 3, 1929, the ‘Untin’ Bowler airplane left Chicago to fly to Berlin in a northern route that included Greenland and Iceland. A large crowd gathered at the Eighth Street ramp in Grant Park for a sendoff of the crew, which included pilots Bob Gast and Parker “Shorty” Cramer, along with Tribune aviation editor Robert Wood. The Tribune funded the expedition.
The view looking north of “bums in Grant Park”, according to the Tribune, circa March 13, 1927. Note the Tribune Tower in the background.
The Spearman sculpture is one of two similar sculptures, the second named The Bowman, by Ivan Mestrovic that stand as gatekeepers to Congress Plaza in Grant Park. The “Indians,” as they are more commonly called, were installed in 1928. Photo circa 1928.
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association started off 'Used Car Week' by destroying 150 worn-out cars at Grant Park on March 30, 1929. The fire was set at north island and was accompanied by fireworks and a bomber plane dropping incendiary missiles on the autos. The association created the huge bonfire to show the wisdom of destroying old cars that had become dangerous in traffic.
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association started off ‘Used Car Week’ by destroying 150 worn-out cars at Grant Park on March 30, 1929. The fire was set at north island and was accompanied by fireworks and a bomber plane dropping incendiary missiles on the autos. The association created the huge bonfire to show the wisdom of destroying old cars that had become dangerous in traffic.
Outer Drive at Grant Park, circa April 7, 1929.
Outer Drive at Grant Park, circa April 7, 1929.
Raymond Baird, the Little Sousa, leads a mass band of school boys at Grant Park. Undated photo.
Raymond Baird, the Little Sousa, leads a mass band of school boys at Grant Park. Undated photo.
A Reid-Murdock grocery airplane arrives in Grant Park for an aero-mail trial exposition, circa Dec. 10, 1928.
A Reid-Murdock grocery airplane arrives in Grant Park for an aero-mail trial exposition, circa Dec. 10, 1928.
Mrs. Frank Avery, of 6838 S. Ridgeland Ave., pays Martin Mahorwz 25 cents to park on the grounds at Grant Park. Undated photo.
Mrs. Frank Avery, of 6838 S. Ridgeland Ave., pays Martin Mahorwz 25 cents to park on the grounds at Grant Park. Undated photo.
By 1930, Grant Park's Museum Campus held the Field Museum of Natural History, and the newly built Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. Columbus Drive divides the photo.
By 1930, Grant Park’s Museum Campus held the Field Museum of Natural History, and the newly built Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium. Columbus Drive divides the photo.
The Chicago Concert Band performed in the newly built Grant Park Band Shell at Grant Park for its debut on Aug. 24, 1931. The temporary band shell, made of wood and fiber, was originally built south of Buckingham Fountain, and was made to look like stone.
The Chicago Concert Band performed in the newly built Grant Park Band Shell at Grant Park for its debut on Aug. 24, 1931. The temporary band shell, made of wood and fiber, was originally built south of Buckingham Fountain, and was made to look like stone.
Conductor Victor J. Grabel, right, leader of the Chicago Concert Band, which gave its first concert in the new Grant Park Band Shell in 1931, listens with Louise Dufrasne (holding horn), to Alice Pinelli make a request for a special selection. This photo was taken during the opening of the band shell on Aug. 24, 1931.
Conductor Victor J. Grabel, right, leader of the Chicago Concert Band, which gave its first concert in the new Grant Park Band Shell in 1931, listens with Louise Dufrasne (holding horn), to Alice Pinelli make a request for a special selection. This photo was taken during the opening of the band shell on Aug. 24, 1931.
Pilot J. L. McGrady is handed a ticket from police officer T. Becker, left, after McGrady landed his plan illegally in Grant Park on July 4, 1930. McGrady, a stunt flier taking part in an aerial pageant at nearby Curtiss Field, had engine problems and had to do an emergency landing in a baseball diamond at Grant Park. McGrady said his motor cut out due to carburetor problems. According to the Tribune, McGrady sounded his siren to warn those below, circled three times and then landed just as the motor died. He fixed the carburetor and took off again.
Pilot J. L. McGrady is handed a ticket from police officer T. Becker, left, after McGrady landed his plan illegally in Grant Park on July 4, 1930. McGrady, a stunt flier taking part in an aerial pageant at nearby Curtiss Field, had engine problems and had to do an emergency landing in a baseball diamond at Grant Park. McGrady said his motor cut out due to carburetor problems. According to the Tribune, McGrady sounded his siren to warn those below, circled three times and then landed just as the motor died. He fixed the carburetor and took off again.
Frederick C. Hibbard with one of the two bronze eagle sculptures that were erected at the Congress Street entrance to Grant Park on Dec. 30, 1931. Hibbard created the eagles, which sat in the middle of two fountains.
Frederick C. Hibbard with one of the two bronze eagle sculptures that were erected at the Congress Street entrance to Grant Park on Dec. 30, 1931. Hibbard created the eagles, which sat in the middle of two fountains.
The Monroe Street bridge was crowded as people flowed into Grant Park from Michigan Avenue during the Chicago Jubilee air show in 1931. Spectators gathered along the lakefront from Waukegan all the way south to Gary, Ind.
The Monroe Street bridge was crowded as people flowed into Grant Park from Michigan Avenue during the Chicago Jubilee air show in 1931. Spectators gathered along the lakefront from Waukegan all the way south to Gary, Ind.
Chicago Police Department inspection at Grant Park, circa Nov. 29, 1935.
Chicago Police Department inspection at Grant Park, circa Nov. 29, 1935.
'The Seated Lincoln' monument during winter at Grant Park, circa Feb. 12, 1931. The monument, which was installed in 1926, was the last work created by Irish-born sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and sits just east of South Columbus Drive. It was a gift from wealthy (and long-dead) Chicagoan John Crerar.
‘The Seated Lincoln’ monument during winter at Grant Park, circa Feb. 12, 1931. The monument, which was installed in 1926, was the last work created by Irish-born sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and sits just east of South Columbus Drive. It was a gift from wealthy (and long-dead) Chicagoan John Crerar.
Over 300 girls rehearsed for the Fountain Dance Pageant on July 15, 1936, at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. The 'Enchanted Fountain' performance would take place two days later for three nights, creating a musical dance and color light symphony in which the girls actually danced in the fountain basin and at the base of the structure. Much of the dance took place in the water jet area with the performers wearing silk, rubber and cellophane waterproof costumes. The pictured performers are Lorraine DeChant, Miriam Henry, Mary DeChant, Joan Griffin, Eleanor Shettler, Katherine Nassem, and Lillian Dean.
Over 300 girls rehearsed for the Fountain Dance Pageant on July 15, 1936, at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. The ‘Enchanted Fountain’ performance would take place two days later for three nights, creating a musical dance and color light symphony in which the girls actually danced in the fountain basin and at the base of the structure. Much of the dance took place in the water jet area with the performers wearing silk, rubber and cellophane waterproof costumes. The pictured performers are Lorraine DeChant, Miriam Henry, Mary DeChant, Joan Griffin, Eleanor Shettler, Katherine Nassem, and Lillian Dean.
A 1937 view of the lakefront, with the rail yards that would became Grant Park on the left. The ivory Wrigley Building can be seen on the middle left of the photo.
A 1937 view of the lakefront, with the rail yards that would became Grant Park on the left. The ivory Wrigley Building can be seen on the middle left of the photo.
Buckingham Fountain, shown here in 1935, was built in 1927 with $500,000 donated by Kate Buckingham in memory of her brother Clarence, a director of the Art Institute. The fountain is modeled after one at Versailles, except that, in true Chicago fashion, it is twice as big.
Buckingham Fountain, shown here in 1935, was built in 1927 with $500,000 donated by Kate Buckingham in memory of her brother Clarence, a director of the Art Institute. The fountain is modeled after one at Versailles, except that, in true Chicago fashion, it is twice as big.
Grant Park parking lot in 1941.
Grant Park parking lot in 1941.
Grant Park parking lot entrance, circa March 6, 1941. Editors note: there is damage to this negative.
Grant Park parking lot entrance, circa March 6, 1941. Editors note: there is damage to this negative.
Greek dancers Xenea Kanellos, from left, Helene Chirikos, Liberty Dallas, Marion Menas and Marion Gabrilis, hold a pose for a Tribune photographer at Buckingham Fountain to promote a 1940's dance festival held by the Greek organizations of Chicago.
Greek dancers Xenea Kanellos, from left, Helene Chirikos, Liberty Dallas, Marion Menas and Marion Gabrilis, hold a pose for a Tribune photographer at Buckingham Fountain to promote a 1940’s dance festival held by the Greek organizations of Chicago.
Actor Erford Gage, left, and Ann Rutledge, the great grand-niece and namesake of Abraham Lincoln's first sweetheart, place a wreath on 'The Seated Lincoln' statue in Grant Park on Nov. 10, 1938. Gage played the part of Lincoln in a Federal Theater production called 'Prologue to Glory.'
Actor Erford Gage, left, and Ann Rutledge, the great grand-niece and namesake of Abraham Lincoln’s first sweetheart, place a wreath on ‘The Seated Lincoln’ statue in Grant Park on Nov. 10, 1938. Gage played the part of Lincoln in a Federal Theater production called ‘Prologue to Glory.’
Sailor Lee Koons and girlfriend Marie Papik in Grant Park, circa May 26, 1942.
Sailor Lee Koons and girlfriend Marie Papik in Grant Park, circa May 26, 1942.
The original caption for this photo said it all: “If a sailor has a girl in every port, this one may have had two, or he at least kept one eye on the field.” Photo taken in Grant Park, circa May 26, 1942.
Women's Army Corps personnel march in Grant Park in Chicago in 1943 during World War II.
Women’s Army Corps personnel march in Grant Park in Chicago in 1943 during World War II.
A Swedish gymnastics team practices their routine before a crowd in Grant Park for the upcoming Swedish Pioneer Centennial Festival in June 1948.
A Swedish gymnastics team practices their routine before a crowd in Grant Park for the upcoming Swedish Pioneer Centennial Festival in June 1948.
The Louis Pasteur memorial at Grant Park, circa Jan. 8, 1946. The statue resided in Grant Park from 1928 to 1946. In 1946 the West Side Medical Center Commission arranged to move the monument to Cook County Hospital.
The Louis Pasteur memorial at Grant Park, circa Jan. 8, 1946. The statue resided in Grant Park from 1928 to 1946. In 1946 the West Side Medical Center Commission arranged to move the monument to Cook County Hospital.
The Art Institute in 1949.
The Art Institute in 1949.
The landscaping of Grant Park, shown in about 1950, followed Daniel Burnham's 1909 plan, which called for formal, symmetrical gardens. Burnham's plan, however, placed the Field Museum at the heart of the park. After retailer Montgomery Ward defeated that proposal in court, Buckingham Fountain was constructed there instead.
The landscaping of Grant Park, shown in about 1950, followed Daniel Burnham’s 1909 plan, which called for formal, symmetrical gardens. Burnham’s plan, however, placed the Field Museum at the heart of the park. After retailer Montgomery Ward defeated that proposal in court, Buckingham Fountain was constructed there instead.
Buckingham Fountain reopens for the season with Jeanette Janvrin, 22, posing for a picture in Grant Park on May 20, 1953. Janvrin was the winner of a London contest to select the perfect secretary.
Buckingham Fountain reopens for the season with Jeanette Janvrin, 22, posing for a picture in Grant Park on May 20, 1953. Janvrin was the winner of a London contest to select the perfect secretary.
Opening of the underground parking garage at Grant Park on Sept. 1, 1954 with Mayor Kennelly. The entrance to the garage is on Michigan Avenue, seen here, just north of Monroe. This area is now Millennium Park.
Opening of the underground parking garage at Grant Park on Sept. 1, 1954 with Mayor Kennelly. The entrance to the garage is on Michigan Avenue, seen here, just north of Monroe. This area is now Millennium Park.
An overhead shot before the official opening of the garage shows part of the new garage and the old Monroe Street parking lot in the background. The opening of the underground parking area at Grant Park took place on Sept. 1, 1954, with Mayor Martin Kennelly.
An overhead shot before the official opening of the garage shows part of the new garage and the old Monroe Street parking lot in the background. The opening of the underground parking area at Grant Park took place on Sept. 1, 1954, with Mayor Martin Kennelly.
The opening of the underground parking garage at Grant Park took place on Sept. 1, 1954 with Mayor Kennelly. This portion of Grant Park is now called Millennium Park. Note the Prudential Building being built in the background.
The opening of the underground parking garage at Grant Park took place on Sept. 1, 1954 with Mayor Kennelly. This portion of Grant Park is now called Millennium Park. Note the Prudential Building being built in the background.
A large Christmas greeting was left in Grant Park, circa Dec. 17, 1958. The photo was taken from the 12th floor of 6 N. Michigan Ave.
A large Christmas greeting was left in Grant Park, circa Dec. 17, 1958. The photo was taken from the 12th floor of 6 N. Michigan Ave.
The view looking north up Michigan Avenue, toward the Prudential Building, just outside the Art Institute on Sept. 7, 1956. This northern section of the park is now Millennium Park.
The view looking north up Michigan Avenue, toward the Prudential Building, just outside the Art Institute on Sept. 7, 1956. This northern section of the park is now Millennium Park.
An overall of Chicago's Grant Park Band Shell in the summer of 1968 during anti-war demonstrations.
An overall of Chicago’s Grant Park Band Shell in the summer of 1968 during anti-war demonstrations.
Anti-war demonstrators in Grant Park pile up benches as a barricade in a clash with police, who had moved in to prevent the protesters from tearing down the American flag in 1968.
Anti-war demonstrators in Grant Park pile up benches as a barricade in a clash with police, who had moved in to prevent the protesters from tearing down the American flag in 1968.
Protesters climb the General Logan statue in Grant Park while thousands gather on the ground in August of 1968. The Conrad Hilton hotel can be seen in the background.
Protesters climb the General Logan statue in Grant Park while thousands gather on the ground in August of 1968. The Conrad Hilton hotel can be seen in the background.
Toga-clad students from the School of the Art Institute stage a Roman feast as part of an election ceremony to pick a queen for the student ball in May 1962.
Toga-clad students from the School of the Art Institute stage a Roman feast as part of an election ceremony to pick a queen for the student ball in May 1962.
A 1974 view of Grant Park, where Millennium Park is currently.
A 1974 view of Grant Park, where Millennium Park is currently.