History
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What follows is a brief history of the Bloomingdale as currently understood. It by no means claims to be complete; if you have information that can fill in the gaps, or clarify or correct what’s listed here, please let us know and we’ll add your suggestions.
- 1872: Proposed railroad for Bloomingdale Ave approved
- After the Great Chicago Fire, the City Council grants Chicago & Pacific Railroad permission to build on Bloomingdale Ave to serve a small manufacturing district across the city’s Northwest Side. Initially, the track is laid at street level.
- 1893: City Council orders all tracks elevated
- As the city grew more congested, a viable way was needed for trains to co-exist with other traffic. The Council approves an ordinance requiring the railroads to elevate all tracks citywide within 6 years.
- 1910: The Bloomingdale is to be elevated
- The Council orders the railroad to elevate at its own expense its “Bloomingdale road tracks” between Ashland and Lawndale.
- 1980s: Activity on the line slows to a trickle
- By the early 1990s, only one train per week passes through, at no more than 8 miles per hour. A few years later, freight service ceases completely.
