E.E. Baldwin Map of the Chicago Loop

Ephemeral map of downtown Chicago published shortly after Capone’s takeover of the Outfit.

This eminently practical map of downtown Chicago was published locally by the Clason Map Company and distributed by the real estate firm of E.E. Baldwin. Baldwin was apparently trying to capitalize on the rapidly growing trend of automobile ownership, as the verso of the sheet provides extensive information on local parking regulations, traffic laws, and through streets. Minors under the age of fifteen are not allowed to drive!

The primary image provides a detailed, large-scale overview of the Loop, noting important structures, transportation depots, and other major features. Lists of hotels, train stations, theaters, and principal buildings offer helpful references, with a blank area at the bottom for handwritten memoranda.

The map is undated, though the presence of the Palmer House and Union Station (both opened in 1925) and the lack of the Stevens Hotel (opened in 1927 as the largest in the country) indicates a likely date of issue around 1926. That same year, the Chicago Coliseum (noted at the bottom of the page) hosted the Blackhawks’ first season. Al Capone, recently named head of the Chicago Outfit by Joe Torrio, would get his hair cut at the Blackstone Hotel along Michigan Avenue.