Skip to main content

Search the middle of everything...

Shedd Aquarium

Fort Dearborn

sw corner michigan avenue and
wacker drive, Chicago, IL 60601

Historic Sites

Built in 1803, Fort Dearborn marked Chicago’s origins as a U.S. military outpost and settlement hub. Though long gone, it’s commemorated by sidewalk markers and a star on Chicago’s flag.

Built in 1803 at the mouth of the Chicago River, Fort Dearborn was the U.S. Army’s westernmost outpost and the first major federal investment in the region. Surrounded by early settlers and traders, it marked the arrival of Europeans in Native American land, sparking periodic conflict. Burned during the War of 1812 and rebuilt in 1816, it was decommissioned in 1840. Today, its location is honored by sidewalk markers and a star on the Chicago flag. Illinois 250

How to find us?

Back to Listings

What's happening nearby...

Chicago Architecture Biennial - SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change

Sep 19 – Feb 28

The Chicago Architecture Biennial will be the largest international survey of contemporary architecture in North America.

Read more about Chicago Architecture Biennial - SHIFT: Architecture in Times of Radical Change

Chicago Gourmet

Sep 25 – Sep 28

Chicago Gourmet is an interactive, epicurean affair showcasing more than 100 of Chicago’s finest restaurants and chefs, as well as hundreds of renowned vintners, spirit makers…

Read more about Chicago Gourmet

Chicago International Film Festival

Oct 15 – Oct 26

Welcome to North America’s longest-running competitive film festival. With more than 120 feature films and 70 shorts films from around the world, this year’s festival is…

Read more about Chicago International Film Festival

You might also be interested...

Chicago Food Planet Tours

Chicago

Read more about Chicago Food Planet Tours

Haymarket Memorial

Chicago

The Haymarket Memorial marks the site of the 1886 labor protest where a bombing killed police and civilians. It stands as a symbol of free speech,…

Read more about Haymarket Memorial

City Segway Tours - Chicago

Chicago

Read more about City Segway Tours - Chicago

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.