Fort Dearborn standing near what is now the south end of Michigan Avenue Bridge. Over on the northern bank, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable was running a prosperous farm. 1849 Des Plaines ice jam backed up at Summit causing the River to rise and lift all the ships into the city. 1850 Hundreds of boats and barges crowd the River during its golden age. Saloons, boardinghouses, groceries and stables crowd the banks.
Ice flows keep wiping out Chicago's wooden bridges.
The first iron pivot bridge is built at Rush Street. Several years later it swings open with a herd of cattle on it. The animals stampede and the bridge falls into the River. The ship broke up in the icy water and the passengers grabbed pieces and attempted to float to shore, but due to the temperature and high surf many drowned. Hopes run high that the Chicago River will halt the advance of the Great Fire.