This bird's eye view shows ships entering and leaving the Calumet Harbor in 1874. Just a few years before, the federal government had made improvements to the Calumet River which included a lighthouse, breakwater and dredging. Nearby railroads fostered both industry and trade, as the region emerged as an important transshipment point. The North Chicago Rolling Mills located its South Works just to the north of the mouth of the Calumet River, taking advantage of the excellent transportation facilities and relatively inexpensive lands.

Creator: Land Owner Press and Engraving
Source: Chicago Historical Society (ICHi-20971)