The Rounds Block

Historical marker location:

111 W Front St, Bloomington, Illinois

( Marker is on West Front Street east of Center Street, on the right when traveling west.)

Marker installed: 1996

Built 1857. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places 1983.

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.