A perfect experience for those who love the history of architecture and who want to explore how the city developed. Take a long walk and enjoy the lovely preserved buildings and also enjoy some of the food in the area. A vibrant historic neighborhood.

Once referred to as Millionaire's Row, the Prairie Avenue Historic District in Chicago's South Loop is a perfect representation of the city's Gilded Age. Prairie Avenue is a north-south thoroughfare that historically extended from 16th Street on the Near South Side to the Chicago's southern limits and beyond. The district includes the 1800 and 1900 blocks of South Prairie Avenue, the 1800 block of South Indiana and 211-217 East Cullerton. The street has a rich history from its origins as a major trail for horseback riders and carriages. Following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, during the last three decades of the 19th century, a six-block section of the street served as the residence of many of Chicago's elite families and an additional four-block section also was known for grand mansions. It was the Chicago's most fashionable neighborhood, home to the Armour, Swift, Field, Kimball and Pullman families. It was referred to as the sunny street that held the sifted few. Although many of the mansions were demolished in the mid-20th century, the remaining buildings provide a sense of the street's former character and grandeur. Two landmarks are located within the district--the Clarke House, the oldest house in Chicago dating to 1836, and the Glessner House, built in 1887, with its fabulous collection of 19th century decorative arts. In 1877, Chicago's three wealthiest citizens--Marshall Field, George Pullman and Philip Armour--lived within a four-block stretch of Prairie Avenue. Eleven residences survive from Prairie Avenue's glory days with nine of them designated as historic landmarks. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and designated the Prairie Avenue Historic District in 1979.

Prairie Avenue on Chicago's South Side was known as The Fifth Avenue of the Midwest and the home of the Who's Who of Chicago's Gilded Age, site of the mansions of farm equipment manufacturing executive John J. Glessner, railroad czar George Pullman, merchant king Marshall Field, meatpacking magnate Philip Armour, organ and piano manufacturer William Wallace Kimball and Union Stock Yards founder John Sherman. Prairie Avenue, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and designated a Historic District in 1978 and a Chicago Landmark in 1979, includes the 1800 and 1900 blocks of South Prairie, the 1800 block of South Indiana and 211-217 East Cullerton. It became the city's most fashionable residential area after the Great Fire of 1871. The best known building is noted architect H.H. Richardson's fortress-like Glessner House, built in 1885-1886 at 1800 South Prairie in Richardson's signature Romanesque style. It has been restored as a historic house museum and open for public tours, telling the story of Prairie Avenue and the Gilded Age. Also open to the public as a house museum is the Clarke House at 1827 South Indiana. Built in 1836 and untouched by the Great Fire of 1871, it is the oldest house in Chicago and a classic example of the Greek Revival style. It features 19th century furnishings depicting life on the urban frontier. Over the decades, factories, parking lots and warehouses replaced the grand mansions. Only seven still exist today.

Excellent! I live in Chicago and have taken this tour several times. Learn something new every time!

Great outing! Very informative and interesting history of Prairie Ave. Now I am interested in their other tours!