Why Chicago's Navy Pier was Almost Abandoned

Navy Pier is one of Chicago's most iconic landmarks, attracting millions of visitors each year. But how did this impressive structure come to be? In this video, we'll take a look at the fascinating history of Navy Pier, from its early days as a shipping and recreation hub to its transformation into the bustling entertainment destination we know today. First built in 1916, Navy Pier was originally known as Municipal Pier and was designed to serve as a docking facility for cargo ships and passenger steamers. Over the years, the pier also served as a military training facility during World War II and as a campus for the University of Illinois at Chicago. In the 1980s, the city of Chicago began a major renovation project to transform Navy Pier into a premier entertainment destination. The renovated pier, which opened in 1995, features a variety of attractions, including the famous 150-foot Ferris wheel, the Chicago Children's Museum, the IMAX theater, and a plethora of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Throughout its history, Navy Pier has played an important role in the life of the city of Chicago, serving as a vital transportation hub, a military training facility, and a hub for recreation and entertainment. Today, it continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city's history and culture, as well as a wide range of exciting attractions and activities.

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Chapters:

00:46 - "Discover why Navy Pier is essential to the history of Chicago"
02:50 - "Unveiling 'The Plan of Chicago': The Blueprint for Navy Pier"
06:16 - "Behind the Scenes: The Fascinating Design and Construction of Navy Pier"
08:27 - "Step Inside the Grand Opening of Navy Pier: A Chicago Spectacle"
09:31 - "Navy Pier in Its Heyday: Explore the Thrilling Entertainment Offerings"
11:58 - "A New Name, A New Era: The Story Behind Navy Pier's Renaming"
12:35 - "The Untold Story of Navy Pier's Downfall and Resurgence"
13:00 - "How the US Navy Made Navy Pier Their Home: An Untold Story"
13:53 - "From Decline to Revival: How the St Lawrence Seaway Saved Navy Pier"
14:32 - "Lost and Found: The Mystery of Navy Pier's Trolley Tracks"
15:08 - "Navy Pier's Second Fall from Grace: What Went Wrong"
16:08 - "Taste of Chicago: Why Navy Pier is the Ultimate Destination for Foodies"
16:45 - "A New Chapter: The Exciting Redevelopment of Navy Pier You Don't Want to Miss"

IT’S HISTORY - Weekly tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

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Scriptwriter - Ryan Socash
Editor - David Daddario
Host - Ryan Socash

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Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.