Chicago River

Historical marker location:

Chicago, Illinois

( Marker is at the intersection of North Michigan Avenue and East Wacker Drive on North Michigan Avenue.)

Marker installed: 1953

The state of Illinois played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Many abolitionists in Illinois provided safe houses for escaping slaves, and Chicago was a key hub on the Underground Railroad.