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Chicago River
Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics
Images & Videos
river and buildings in downtown Chicago Chicago Riverwalk
The vidoe thumbnail image shows a two-sided bridge lifting and separating at the center. A blue circle highlights the open section.
Map of the Chicago area waterway system showing the flow of water from Lake Michigan through the Chicago River, which connects via the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to the Des Plaines River, then to the Illinois River, and ultimately to the Mississippi River. The map highlights major waterways, channels, and the cities of Chicago and Joliet, with an inset showing the broader river system in Illinois and its connection to the Mississippi River. Chicago River bridge Chicago River bridges Split map comparing the flow of the Chicago River before and after the construction of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The left side shows the river flowing into Lake Michigan before 1900, while the right side shows the reversed flow, with the river now directed away from the lake and into the canal, connecting to the Des Plaines River and ultimately leading toward Joliet. An inset map highlights the location within Illinois.
The video thumbnail image shows a black and white bridge over blue water. Blue arrows show that the flow of the water was switched from one direction to the other.
SS Eastland Eastland disaster
Quizzes
Tower Bridge over the Thames River in London, England. Opened in 1894. Remains an Important Traffic Route with 40,000 Crossings Every Day.
Guess the City by Its River Quiz
water glass on white background. (drink; clear; clean water; liquid)
Water and its Varying Forms

Chicago River: References & Edit History

Article Contributors

Primary Contributors

  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Media added. Dec 20, 2024
Media added. Nov 18, 2024
Maps added. May 03, 2023
Add new Web site: Encyclopedia of Chicago - Chicago River. Oct 17, 2017
Media added. May 15, 2017
Media added. Sep 28, 2016
Media added. Jun 09, 2016
Media added. Oct 11, 2007
Added new Web site: Chicago Public Library - 1900 Flow of Chicago River Reversed. Sep 05, 2007
Media revised. Jun 07, 2007
Article revised and updated. Jun 07, 2007
Article revised. Mar 16, 2006
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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