"Reversing the Chicago River" is a one page, nonfiction passage about how the leaders of Chicago reversed the polluted Chicago River so that it emptied into the Mississippi River instead of the lake. It is followed by questions which...

Chicago River

Chicago River

"My Father's Miracle" is a one page, fictional, reading passage about a child who learned that his father was one of the people responsible for reversing the direction of the Chicago River, making it flow to the Mississippi instead of...

A brief look at Philip Armour's goal to use all of the slaughtered animal, cow or hog, to make all sorts of products. Because these animal parts were no longer dumped into the Chicago River, it reduced water pollution.

Familiarize yourself with the North American river otter by browsing this brief overview from the Brookfield Zoo. This animal guide includes quick facts and information on the appearance, habitat, social and eating habits, and other...

Skyline Queen, Chicago River

A city plan from 1911 of Chicago showing major streets, railroads and stations, the Chicago Union transfer railway yards, canals, Plaines River, parks, harbor, and major landmarks of the city.

A city plan from 1914 of greater Chicago showing the city limits, major streets, railroads and stations, parks, major landmarks, rivers, and the shoreline of Lake Michigan. A grid reference at the bottom of the map lists the principal...

A map from 1916 of Chicago and vicinity, showing the railroad network of the area, major cities and towns, rivers, and the southern portion of Lake Michigan from Waukegan to Chicago. The map coverage includes the cities of Elgin, Aurora,...

A map from 1922 of Chicago and neighboring counties. The map shows county boundaries and county seats, cities, towns, railroads, canals, lakes, rivers, and the shoreline of Lake Michigan.

A map from 1901 of Chicago and vicinity showing the city limits, major streets, neighboring cities and towns, major landmarks, the drainage canal, stock yards, parks, Lake Calumet, rivers, and the shoreline of Lake Michigan.

A map from 1909 of Chicago and vicinity, including the State capitol of Springfield. The map shows the railroad network of the area, major cities and towns, rivers, and the southern portion of Lake Michigan.

This site from the University of Chicago provides a black and white map of Ancient Mesopotamia. The map focuses primarily upon terrain with an emphasis on the rivers and the major cities.

To prepare for reading a historical novel, such as A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck, Countdown by Deborah Wiles, Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos, or The Rock and the River by Kekla Magoon, students research various aspects of a...

A map of the Great Lakes Region of North America to the Hudson River showing the northern area of conflict during the War of 1812, including the important sites of Fort Dearborn (Chicago), Battle of Tippecanoe, Detroit, Frenchtown (River...

A map from 1902 of Illinois showing the State capital of Springfield, major cities and towns, railroads, canals, the shoreline of Lake Michigan, and the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. An inset map shows the vicinity of Chicago.

A map from 1912 of Illinois showing the State capital of Springfield, counties and county seats, major cities and towns, railroads, canals, lakes and rivers. An inset map shows the vicinity of Chicago. A grid reference in the margins of...

A map of the Illinois and Michigan territory (present day Illinois and Wisconsin) showing the battle sites of the Black Hawk War of 1832. The map shows Black Hawk's Village (Saukenuk) near Rock Island on the Mississippi, Prophetstown,...