John M. Hay

Historical marker location:

100 W Washington St, Pittsfield, Illinois

( Marker is at the intersection of West Washington Street (U.S. 54) and North Madison Street, on the left when traveling west on West Washington Street.)

(1838-1905). Secretary to Lincoln 1861-1865.

The world's first skyscraper, the Home Insurance Building, was built in Chicago in 1884. It was only 10 stories tall, but it was the first building to use a steel frame to support its weight, which allowed it to be much taller than traditional buildings made of brick or stone.