West Fork South Branch Chicago River

Same as above

     At one time, there was a West Fork of the South Branch Chicago River. It roughly followed the tour of the Chicago Portage.   For all practical purposes, the West Fork no longer exists.  It was filled in by the city in the 1920’s.  There are few traces.

     This is an impressive structure located along the North side of the Main Branch Chicago River at McClurg Court.  There is a water canon.   During warm weather water is shot across the River in an eighty foot arc.  This occurs every hour for ten minutes.  The water fountain has an impressive stepped granite pavilion representative of the eastern continental divide.

     The fountain marks the Centennial of the Metropolitan Sanitary District.  The structure was built by Blinderman Construction at a cost of $3.65 million.

Fountain Plaque

Fountain

Same as above

Stepped Granite Wall Representing Eastern Continental Divide

     The fountain was named after Nicholas J. Melas.  He had a long history as a commissioner and President of the Metropolitan Sanitary District.

Greenleaf Red Line Viaduct

Same as above

Greenleaf Avenue Red Line Viaduct. Chicago

Greenleaf Avenue Red Line Viaduct Chicago

Unless otherwise indicated, all photos and text are copyrighted.

    This last Sunday (5/6/2018) I revisited Canal Origins Park.   This is the second time I have been to this historic site.    The Park is located at 2840 South Ashland Avenue.   It is at this site that the following can be seen:  South Fork of the South Branch Chicago River  (This is also known as Bubbly Creek); the beginning of the Sanitary and Ship Canal; the South Branch of the Chicago River; the Turning Basin–a remnant of the I and M canal.

South Fork of South Branch Chicago River (Bubbly Creek)

Same as above

Turning Basin

Same as above

Loomis Avenue Bridge over South Branch Chicago River

Ashland Avenue Bridge over origin of Sanitary and Ship Canal

Art work at Canal Origins Park

Same as above

Canal Art Work

Same as above

     Unfortunately, much of the park has suffered damage from vandalism