1872 Chicago Vintage City Map – Historic Post-Great Fire Chicago Layout, Vintage Urban Development Chart, Chicago Map Reproduction Print

Description

Map of Chicago, 1872

This detailed reproduction of the 1872 Map of Chicago offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s layout shortly after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It highlights the urban grid, railroads, and major landmarks of Chicago as it was rebuilding from one of the most devastating fires in U.S. history. The map was originally produced by the U.S. Engineer Department, capturing the intricate details of streets, neighborhoods, and the city’s relationship to Lake Michigan.

This map is significant for understanding the rapid development and urban planning that followed the fire, making it an invaluable piece for historians, collectors, and anyone with an interest in Chicago’s history.

I personally digitally restore and clean up the original scanned image, adjusting colors, exposure, and fixing blemishes to produce a high-quality print. However, to maintain the vintage look and historical accuracy, I retain some imperfections.

What Makes My Prints Different

Sure, you might find similar prints elsewhere, but not all prints are equal. I use a high-end lab with professional photo printers, high-quality archival inks, and acid-free archival Lustre paper—a premium, heavier paper offering vibrant colors with a fingerprint-resistant, glare-free matte finish. Prints are available in all popular sizes; select your size when ordering. Please note that listing photos are low resolution, but high-resolution files are used for printing. Prints are unframed; frames shown are for illustration purposes only.

Shipping

Prints are carefully packaged to prevent damage during transit. They are shipped flat in a rigid box or rolled in a sturdy mailing tube, depending on size. Please refer to the shop’s policies for additional shipping information.