Historical Marker
Augustus Garrett
Historical marker location:
77 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois
( Marker is at the intersection of Washington Street and N. Clark Street, on the left when traveling west on Washington Street.)
The Chicago River was once so polluted that it caught on fire several times in the mid-20th century. The river was so polluted with chemicals and sewage that it was almost devoid of life. Today, the river has been cleaned up and is a popular spot for recreational activities like kayaking and boat tours.