Cary Cemetery - 1839

Historical marker location:

113 North 1st Street, Cary, Illinois

( Marker is on 1st Street north of Park Avenue, on the right when traveling north.)

Marker installed: 1986

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.