Chicago's Gilded Age: Walk around the First Millionaire Row

Before moving north to what is now the Gold Coast and River North, wealthy Chicagoans of the Gilded Age period lived along Prairie Avenue and its adjacent streets. On this 90-minute tour, you will admire the remaining mansions of the period, as well as pause in front of the Clark-Ford house, the oldest house in Chicago, now situated in the Women's Gardens. You will also hear about the battle of Fort Dearborn and its tragic consequences, and will walk all the way to the edge of the district, now home to the McCormick convention center.

- We will meet at the southwest corner of 18th street at Prairie Avenue, the heart of what was Millionaire Row - You will hear about the Glessner House and the Kimball House, right across from each other - We will walk down the avenue, reminiscing about the mansions that were torn down and discussing the Gilded Age - As we enter the women's gardens you will learn about the Clarke-Ford house, the oldest house in Chicago, moved back to the South Loop in the dead of winter - You will hear about Joseph Coleman, Marshall Field Jr, Elbridge Keith and the Charles Purdy row houses - You will also discover the Harriet Rees house (and how it was moved to make room for the Wintrust arena) as well as the lovely Wheeler mansion - Finally, you will hear the tragic story of the Fort Dearborn Battle, which marked a turning point in American history