Hidden Chicago Landmarks

by John R. Schmidt

Take in the sights of Chicago's forgotten byways, including a cow trail through a downtown hotel. Pause reflectively at the cemetery in a working scrapyard and the church built without a nail. Stop by the one-time homes of Walt Disney, Joe Louis, Hillary Clinton and Al Capone. Along the way, greet forgotten Chicago notables like the vice president who won a Nobel Prize and wrote a number-one pop hit. From the shortest street to the oldest house, John R. Schmidt visits the sites of Chicago's neglected history.

Genres: History

144 pages, Paperback

Published July 8, 2019

About the author

John R. Schmidt is the author of The Unraveling. He teaches at the Elliott School for International Affairs at George Washington University. He served in the State Department during a thirty-year service career, including as Political Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad in the years leading up to 9/11.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/johnrs...

Reviews

[Chet Slonina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savor this read of wonderful bits of past and informative discoveries. This is a must for Chicago history buffs, So many places that I never knew of, people that lived here, Joe Louis who’s housed big name people on the South Side, as well as the “Cow Path” and other assorted tidbits. Plenty of photos accompany the stories and help to enhance the read.

[The other John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was raised in Chicagoland, but now I've lived more years outside the area than I did inside it. But Chicago is a permanent part of my identity regardless. That makes this book both delightful and depressing at the same time. Hidden Chicago Landmarks is a combination history and guide book. Mr. Schmidt tells about a number of minor historical landmarks tucked in the neighborhoods around the city. He explains what makes the site significant and what was happening at the time the building or monument came into being. He not only tells the story of these places but also captures the feeling of Chicago. As I read it, part of me wanted to rush out and check these places out in person. Then part of me mourned that I couldn't easily do that. But upon reflection, I think that I don't really need to visit these sites, because the book already gave me a mini-tour of the city. It's a book definitely worth checking out.

[Kosta Dalageorgas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, insightful guide to Chicago’s hidden landmarks (and neighborhoods), most of what I read here I had never heard before. Featuring black and white photographs by the author, the book would have benefited by both a map detailing the locations mentioned along with a bibliography or notes for those interested in researching more. I did like the author’s sense of humor. As he writes, in the 2nd half of the 19th century, Chicago was the world’s fastest growing city. Now, with movement to the surrounding suburbs, neighborhoods are fast transforming. With historical parts of the city being lost to commercial development, who knows what the future of Chicago will look like.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun hidden (and not so hidden) places in Chicago history. If you live in Chicago and have been paying attention, you'll know some of these. Many are obscure. But one location that completely surprised me was the cowpath in the city that was directly across from my office building entrance - never knew it. Fun to learn about it.

[Terry Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a native Chicagoan who lived most of his life there, I really enjoyed this book. The author presents some little known historical features of the Windy City. I knew of a few of the them, but the majority of these hidden gems, I did not. Even if your not from Chicago, I believe you will find this book a worthwhile read.