Life-saving Service

The high winds and fogs of spring and fail, for many years prior to 1856, had been productive of much damage to shipping, and wrecks, accompanied by loss of life, were of frequent occurrence. In the spring of 1856, the Government sent a life-boat to Chicago, and it was placed in charge of the harbor engineer. The first boat was kept under Rush-street bridge, and, in case of service becoming necessary, volunteers were depended upon to man it. This boat was made to answer a variety of purposes, and was yet in fair condition, several years later, when the life-saving station was established, with Captain John Taylor in charge.

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A selection of marine information and illustrations from this magnificent three volume history of Chicago.