The Early Challenges of Urban Expansion

As settlers moved westward in early 19th-century America, they encountered a significant issue: managing the waste produced by horses. The residue left by these animals posed a problem for growing urban areas, leading to innovations in city planning.

The Introduction of Alleys

To address the waste issue, planners devised the concept of alleys. These narrow passageways provided a solution for waste disposal and other utilities. Unlike older, densely packed cities like New York and Boston, emerging cities in the old Northwest Territory, including Chicago, had more space to implement this new urban feature.

The Role of the Illinois and Michigan Canal Commission

In 1830, the Illinois and Michigan Canal Commission took proactive steps toward urban organization. They hired surveyors to lay out plans for burgeoning cities. These plans incorporated alleys as a key component, ensuring that they featured prominently in the urban design of Chicago.