Gettysburg Address

Historical marker location:

115 W 4th St, Mount Carmel, Illinois

( Marker is at the intersection of West 4th Street and Market Street, on the right when traveling west on West 4th Street.)

Marker installed: 1929

November 19, 1863.

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.