Yes, Lincoln Park in Chicago was indeed a cemetery. For a significant period in its early history, the land that now constitutes Lincoln Park and the Lincoln Park Zoo served as the city's primary burial ground.
From Cemetery to Park: A Historical Overview
The area now known as Lincoln Park has a rich and somewhat somber past. It transitioned from a solemn resting place for thousands to a vibrant public park, though echoes of its former purpose still remain.
Key Historical Points:
- Early Beginnings (1843): Starting in 1843, the land was officially designated and used as the Chicago City Cemetery. This was Chicago's main burial ground for over two decades.
- Mid-1860s Transformation: The cemetery functioned until the late mid-1860s. Following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the park was named in his honor. This period also saw efforts to relocate the graves.
- Graves Relocation: Most of the graves were moved to newer, more distant cemeteries as the city expanded and the area was redeveloped into a park. However, due to the sheer number of burials and the nature of the ground, not all remains were successfully relocated.
- Remaining Evidence: Even today, despite extensive landscaping and development, evidence of the cemetery's past remains. This includes headstones found over the years and areas where ground-penetrating radar has detected human remains beneath the park's surface.
This transformation highlights Chicago's rapid growth and evolving urban planning, shifting land use from practical necessity to recreational space.
Timeline of Transformation
The journey of Lincoln Park from a burial ground to a bustling urban oasis can be summarized as follows:
| Period | Land Use | Key Developments |
|---|---|---|
| 1843 - Mid-1860s | Chicago City Cemetery | Main burial site for Chicago residents, housing thousands of graves. |
| Post-1865 | Renamed Lincoln Park | After Abraham Lincoln's assassination, the area was formally named Lincoln Park. Efforts began to convert it into a public park. |
| Late 1860s - Present | Public Park & Zoo | Graves were largely relocated, but some remain. The area developed into a popular destination with gardens, recreational facilities, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. |
Exploring the Past
Visitors to Lincoln Park might not immediately realize its former identity, but various historical markers and the enduring presence of some gravestones serve as silent reminders. For instance, the Chicago History Museum occasionally offers insights into this forgotten history through walking tours, helping the public connect with the park's deeper past.
For more information on Lincoln Park's history, you can explore resources like the Chicago History Museum's events and tours.
