A street named after Fort Dearborn. Who knew? That’s Dearborn Street for you. It’s a street that has seen Chicago grow and change. Dearborn Street is more than just a road. It is a piece of Chicago’s history.
Dearborn Street begins its journey as a quiet residential street. Find it at 155th Place in South Holland. It weaves through the south suburbs. It cuts through South Side neighborhoods. These segments are often disjointed. They offer glimpses into the everyday lives of Chicagoans.
As Dearborn Street approaches Sibley Boulevard, it shifts westward. North of this point, things change. Dearborn Street temporarily goes by another name. It becomes Lafayette Avenue. This stretch serves as a frontage road for I-94. It parallels the Dan Ryan Expressway. This happens between 98th Place and 66th Street.
Lafayette Avenue eventually transforms back into Dearborn Street. This occurs north of Garfield Boulevard. However, interruptions still exist. Public housing projects once occupied this area. These include Robert Taylor Homes and Stateway Gardens. The Illinois Institute of Technology campus also breaks the street’s path.
Dearborn Street finds its stride again near Dearborn Park. This residential area sits on the former railyard of Dearborn Station. North of Polk Street, Dearborn Street restarts. Here, it becomes a one-way street for northbound traffic. But there’s a twist. A two-way north-south bikeway runs through downtown. It stretches from Polk Street to Kinzie Street.
The Dearborn Street Bridge is a key feature. It carries the street over the Chicago River. This bridge has a rich history. The first movable bridge in Chicago was built here in 1834. The current bridge dates back to 1963. Mayor Richard J. Daley presided over its opening. A single Cadillac led a procession of cyclists across it. Regular traffic began seventeen minutes later.
After crossing the river, Dearborn Street continues. It becomes a two-way road. This happens after it passes Washington Square Park. The street ends at North Boulevard. It is south of Lincoln Park.
Even though Dearborn Street lacks its dedicated bus route, many buses travel its path. CTA routes 22, 24, 36, 62, 70, and 151 all run along it. Pace bus routes 850, 851, and 855 also use Dearborn Street. The Milwaukee-Dearborn subway line runs beneath the street downtown.
Dearborn Street is a fascinating study in urban evolution. It reflects Chicago’s growth. It also reflects the changes in transportation. From residential beginnings to a bustling downtown thoroughfare, Dearborn Street tells a story of a city on the move. So, next time you find yourself on Dearborn Street, remember its history. Remember its transformations. Remember, it is more than just a street. It is a vital part of Chicago’s identity.