Beneath Chicago is a warren of abandoned tunnels. These are mostly 2-foot narrow-gauge railway freight tunnels that have since been abandoned. They run under downtown Chicago and operated entirely under central Chicago - although they never carried passengers. Intriguingly many of the first tunnels built were largely built in secrecy and for another purpose.
Over in New York City, they also have secret tunnels under the city, while Paris has a maze of queries and catacombs. Under London, there is one of the largest and most secretive networks of tunnels.
History And Evolution Of The Chicago Freight Tunnels
The history of the tunnels began in 1899 when the city of Chicago granted the rights to construct utility tunnels under its streets. These were to carry the planned network of telephone cables. This plan evolved to include rails for hauling cable spools through the tunnels.
- Began: In 1899
At the time the city was largely unaware of the tunneling beneath the street and the first 16 miles or 26 kilometers of tunnels were excavated somewhat overly. Work would be conducted under a saloon and then the spoil would be taken away during the night.
- Covert: The First Tunnels Were Constructed Somewhat Covertly
- Original Purpose: For A Network Of Telephone Cables
- Later Purpose: For Freight And Mail Service
The narrow-gauge railroad was used at first only for hauling out the debris from the tunnels and installing the cables.
But then they realized it could serve other purposes and in 1903 the use of the railroad was expanded for freight and mail service. In 1905 the system was taken over by a new company - the Illinois Tunnel Company. By 1905 some 26 miles or 42 kilometers had been built while the projected tunnels were expected to reach 60 miles or 97 kilometers.
- Length: By 1914 They Were Around 60 Miles or 97 Kilometers Long
But by 1909 the costs of construction had bankrupted the Illinois Tunnel Company. In its time after being brought up, it was never really profitable. By 1920 all the telephone cables for which the project had started in the first place had been removed.
By 1914 around 60 miles had been constructed and 19 elevators connected the tunnels with customers and another five elevators service public stations where freight could be dropped off or be picked up.
- Subway Tunnels: The Freight Tunnels Came Into Conflict With The Subway Tunnels
Eventually, the freight tunnels came into conflict with the subway that was built later on. In the 1930s the plans for the subway tunnels to follow the same route on State Street and Dearborn Street as the freight lines. The subway replaced the freight tunnels along that route.
About The Chicago Freight Tunnels
The Chicago freight tunnels inspired the construction of the London Post Office Railway. They were built by the Chicago Tunnel Company for a network of little electric trains that crisscrossed the center of the city.
The tunnels serviced iconic buildings like the Board of Trade, City Hall, Merchandise Mart, Chicago Tribune, Civic Opera House, Field Museum, and more.
- Operated: 1906 to 1959
- Abandoned: In 1959
The freight lines were largely abandoned around 1959 and were then largely forgotten. But then in 1992, the city was given a painful reminder of these forgotten tunnels. Construction workers accidentally punctured one of the tunnel's roofs causing thousands of gallons of water to pour into the system. The end result was massive flooding in the buildings across the city. The damage is estimated to have been more than $2 Billion.
Size:
- Height: Typically 7 Feet 6 Inches (2.3 Meters) High
- Width: 6 Feet (1.83 Meters)
- Gauge: 2 Foot Gauge (610 Mm)
- Electric Locomotives: 132 Electric Locomotives Were Operated
- Cars: 2,042 Merchandise, 350 Excavating, And 235 Coal and Ash Cars
Tours And Visiting The Tunnels Today
Today unfortunately no one can enter them as they are all sealed off to the public. For those looking for a guided tour, Chicago Detours offers a range of tours around Chicago including private customized tours. It's unlikely they can offer tours of the tunnels themselves, but they can explain a great deal of their history and where they went from the surface.
- Duration: 4 or 8 Hours
- Guests: 2 to 200 Guests
- Includes: Expert Tour Guide
- Areas Toured: Customized to One's Interests
- Cost: Starting At $425.00
While these freight tunnels may be the most intriguing of Chicago's underground tunnels, they aren't the only tunnels under Chicago. Chicago also has an underground sewer system, an underground pedestrian system, the deep tunnel system, and more. One can read about these on Chicago Detours' website.
Chicago is a city with a lot to see and do. Like many of America's other cities, it boasts many secrets. And has attractions that do not immediately meet the eye.