PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - James Ward Elementary

STRUCTURE - State Line Boundary Marker

One might be surprised to learn that the oldest existing structure in Chicago is most likely not the Clarke House or any other building that survived the 1871 fire. It’s actually the monument that marks the border between Illinois and Indiana on the far Southeast side of the city. The Illinois Indiana State Line Boundary Marker was erected in 1833 to commemorate the establishment of the common boundary between Illinois and Indiana. Constructed of big sandstone blocks and standing in the shadow of the huge Stateline Generating Plant, the monument has been moved once; in 1988 it was relocated 191 feet to the north of its original site. However, it is still located directly on the state border. Though the state line monument is a city landmark located right near the lakefront and Calumet Park, it is mostly unknown and forgotten about except by local residents.

Left: The State Line Boundary Marker. Right: This faded viaduct sign at Ewing and 100th Street appears to be a remnant of an attempt to get people traveling on US 41 (the old route into the city from Indiana and current free alternative to the Skyway) to take a detour to see the monument.

Above: The marker in context, where it sits directly in front of the State Line Generating Plant. Below: Informational markers are placed on each of the marker's four sides.

Page authored 20 March 2007.
Last updated 26 July 2007.
Written by Jacob Kaplan.

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