Entry No. 103 — the Chicago file — filed under: haunted

Eastland Disaster Site & Memorial Marker

On the morning of July 24, 1915, the SS Eastland rolled onto its side right here in barely 20 feet of water, 20 feet from the wharf, drowning 844 passengers -- more deaths than any single disaster in Chicago history -- an event now marked only by a small plaque along the river that most Loop commuters walk past without a second look.

The move: Walk the Riverwalk to the Clark Street marker and picture a fully loaded excursion steamer capsizing at the dock in broad daylight, then keep walking toward the Michigan Avenue bridges where the story is never mentioned.

• 📍 The Loop / Chicago River
• 💸 $$
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Indoors

Where: Chicago River at the Clark Street Bridge, Chicago, IL

Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Wikipedia · chicagology.com

last checked: 2026-07-19