Plan of Chicago (1909)
Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago included four man-made islands along the lake shore. The only one completed was Northerly Island.
In the plan for Chicago, Northerly Island was intended to be a public recreational park, with trees and grass, beaches, lagoons, and other features.
Construction of Northerly Island
A bond referendum for construction was approved by the Chicago public in 1920.
Two years later in 1922, construction on Northerly Island began.
That same year Chicago Mayor William Hale Thompson advocated having a downtown airport on Northerly Island.
Despite an agreement in the late 1920′s to build an airport, the great depression hit in 1929 postponing this plan. Construction did however continue on the peninsula.
World’s Fair
In the early 1930′s Northerly Island was selected as the site of the World’s Fair. Titled ‘A Century of Progress’ (1933-34), it celebrated the 100th birthday of Chicago.
Over 39 million visitors attended the event.
In 1938 the bridge to Northerly Island was replaced with a causeway which connected the island to Burnham Park.
Meigs Field
It wasn’t until 1946 that construction of the airport began. The construction took over two years to complete.
As aircraft were now more advanced, an additional 24 acres of landfill was deeded to allow for a suitable runway.
On December 10th 1948 the airport had a grand opening, over 100 aircraft attended.
The airport was officially renamed Merrill C. Meigs Field on June 30th, 1950.
In 1952 an air traffic control tower was opened.
The runway was lengthened in 1955, from 2,800 ft to 3,900 ft.
In 1961 a new terminal building was opened (dedicated by Richard J. Daley).
Over the years instrument approaches were also added.