Dennis McClendon was an invaluable promoter of Chicago’s cartographic, historical, and online communities. He was a Texan, a Chicagoan, a mapmaker, a tour guide, a preservationist, a historian, a traveler, a cook, a handyman, an author, and much more. While he may have sadly passed away a few months ago, it’s never too late to recognize and celebrate his many contributions to the Windy City and beyond.
Rest in Peace Dennis McClendon (1957-2024)
Though perhaps unconsciously, his most lasting legacy is appreciated by millions of transit riders every year. In 1993, Dennis McClendon spearheaded the redesign of the map of the Chicago Transit Authority Elevated Rails (known as the ‘L’), officially introducing the system of color-coded routes that remain a fundamental part of Chicago’s urban identity.
A simplified and eminently legible CTA system, thanks in large part to the work of Dennis McClendon.
I was most familiar with Dennis through his engaging participation in the Chicago Map Society, where he presented more than half a dozen times between 1997 and 2018 – probably the most in the history of the organization (the oldest map society in America). His passions and wide range of expertise are obvious when considering the breadth of topics: Beyond Google Maps: Map Usage in the 21st Century (2018); The Handcrafted Digital Map (2015); Cartographic Tales of Chicago History (2010); “A noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die”: The Legacy of the Burnham and Bennett Plan of Chicago (2009); Challenges of Making ‘Ordinary’ Street Maps (2008); Chicago’s Public Transit Maps (2005); New Maps for Old History: Thematic Cartography for the New Encyclopedia of Chicago History (2003); Field Checking Maps: A Veteran’s Tale (2002); Public Transit Maps (1997). He also created the maps for Dr. Carl Smith’s book Chicago’s Great Fire: The Destruction and Resurrection of an Iconic American City, presented at a meeting in 2021.
A map by Dennis comparing contemporary maps of the Great Fire’s burnt district, from Carl Smith’s book.
As a longtime lurker and sometimes participant in the Chicago subreddit, I would often see expert opinions written clearly and concisely by a user named MrDowntown. He was unafraid about contesting incorrect opinions and always backed up his assertions with well-documented facts. It was only after he passed that I found out this was yet another way Dennis would share his zeal for history and immense knowledge of the city. His Reddit eulogy reflects his widespread impact – universally positive messages (impressive in their own right, for a social media website) that speak to his ability to educate and inform.
There are several obituaries and memorials online where you can learn more about Dennis and his life’s work (see below), but I wanted to share one written by a mutual friend and fellow Chicago railfan, Ron Weslow:
Mapmaker, mapmaker, make me a map
Dennis was well-known as a master cartographer. He started his firm, Chicago Cartographics, in the late 1980s. Within a few years, he had clients not just nationwide, but worldwide. From cities and private companies, from historical societies to the US Armed Forces. He had an eye, and mind, for clarity and simplicity. And always remembering who the map was for–the customer. Many maps are cluttered, with too many features clamoring for attention, and become almost useless. And then because of that, ignored. Key to his philosophy was making each map approachable and easy to understand. He once said, if you scare them off at the first unfolding, the rest won’t matter.Historian and ResearcherHe was in the big leagues when it came to Chicago neighborhood history, transit, and infrastructure. His residence in Dearborn Park in the South Loop was filled with hundreds of books on transportation and the history of Chicago and other urban areas. One of his social media handles was “Mr. Downtown”. I also saw a tribute that called him “The id of Grid”. Street grid, that is. And from the reactions of his many friends and colleagues and followers, one common thread emerged: That of a knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly person. Who would gladly answer questions, and share his findings. Including for me–so many great discussions. From using the Sanborn fire insurance maps from 100 years ago, to finding obscure books that shone light on an issue, you debated him at your own risk! He was a frequent tour guide on buses, boats, trains, and walking tours. And did lectures at various locations on Chicago history.Neighborhood ActivistDennis was very involved with keeping a watchful eye on developments in the Downtown and South Loop areas, and making sure his neighbors were too. So many major changes occurred in the last thirty years in his area, both residential and commercial. He commented and testified about about saving historic buildings, or concerns about development density, or unwise removal of transit or rail infrastructure. At times he was a voice for the past, the present, or the future. From a standpoint of keeping and improving the urban fabric, which can be a tough balancing act.
Dennis, you are missed.