How far east did Lake Michigan once stretch? It’s a question that the Original Lake Michigan Shoreline Plaque answers. Right here in Lincoln Park, this marker reminds us of the dramatic changes in the landscape over thousands of years. This plaque, entitled Abandoned Shoreline of Lake Michigan, marks the western edge of the ancient lake.
About 14,000 years ago, a glacier retreated, leaving behind a massive body of water known as “Lake Chicago”. This lake was a precursor to Lake Michigan, and its waters covered what is now Chicago. As the glacier receded, it left behind beach ridges that marked its various stages. Around 8,000 years ago, one of these ridges formed the shoreline right here, where Clark Street stands today.
Imagine, the bustling city replaced by the lapping waves of a vast lake! It’s a stark contrast to the Chicago we know today. That ancient shoreline, now marked by the Original Lake Michigan Shoreline Plaque, serves as a tangible link to a time when Chicago was submerged beneath the waves. It’s a reminder of the powerful forces that shaped our world and continue to shape it today.