6" Shell From Battleship Maine

Historical marker location:

100 W Pearl St, Geneseo, Illinois

( Memorial is on West Main Street, on the right when traveling west.)

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.