Plate 80 from The Plan of Chicago, 1909: Chicago. Diagram of City Center, Showing the Proposed Arrangement of Railroad Passenger Stations, the Complete Traction System, Including Rapid Transit, Subway, and Elevated Roads, and the Circuit Subway Line. 1909

Daniel Burnham created this diagram of central Chicago around 1909, as part of his ambitious Plan of Chicago. It's made of humble materials: ink and graphite on paper. But don't let that fool you. This wasn't just a drawing; it was a blueprint for a whole new way of life. Look closely, and you'll see proposed arrangements of railroad passenger stations, rapid transit lines, and even subway systems. Burnham wasn't just thinking about aesthetics; he was thinking about logistics, labor, and the flow of people. Consider the sheer amount of work involved. This diagram is only one piece of a larger plan that required countless hours of surveying, drafting, and political negotiation. The Plan of Chicago embodies a belief in progress and the power of design to shape society. It challenged the idea that cities should simply grow organically, advocating instead for a carefully orchestrated vision. It's a testament to the power of craft, not just as a skill, but as a form of social engineering.