1890: Thousands of “Great Common People” Attend the Opening of Grand Central Station in Chicago

December 8, 1890

Chicago’s Grand Central Station was opened. This passenger railroad terminal, which had been designed by architect Solon Spencer Beman (1853-1914) and completed by the Chicago and Northern Pacific Railroad, was specifically located downtown at 201 Harrison Street (bounded by Harrison, Wells, and Polk Streets as well as the Chicago River). 

On the day after the inauguration of Grand Central Station, the Chicago Tribune confirmed that it was indeed a well-attended event. “Throngs of men and women of all classes flowed in and out the portals of the new Grand Central passenger station,” this newspaper confirmed. “A general reception to the public was arranged to celebrate the opening of the new depot, and thousands of people took advantage of it.” The Chicago Tribune also asserted, “The reception was not intended to be a high-toned affair, but it was given to the great common people. And the great common people were there.”

Grand Central Station remained in operation until its doors were closed once and for all in 1969. This station was demolished two years later. More than four decades later and despite the fact that it is no longer around, the building is still regarded as a leading example of not just Beman’s architectural works but also the railroad stations that reigned supreme in the Windy City during the 19^th century. (The attached postcard depicting Grand Central Station in Chicago was created in 1962.)

Image Credit: Public Domain

For more information on Chicago’s Grand Central Station, please check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Central_Station_(Chicago)