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Telegram
Currently on display
Not a part of the official Smithsonian Collection
This telegram, dated September 18, 1948 reads "Mr. President I am taking the liberty of bringing to your attention the eviction of hundreds of Chicagoans on September 25 to make way for a super highway with government aid. ...This area is occupied by family of very limited incomes small business concerns whose proprietors will lose their investment and students some partially incapacitated by military service. Will you please use your influence to postpone these evictions until these people can find other living and business accommodations."
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Physical Description |
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Telegram. Telegram from Chicago businessman to the President, September 19, 1948
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Details |
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Credit: | Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration
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History |
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The first highway project the City of Chicago elected to undertake was the West route, from the Loop straight through the West Side industrial area, and lower income and slum neighborhoods. Using plans that were developed back in the 1920s and 1930s, the city took advantage of its expanding powers of eminent domain to condemn, acquire, and demolish a wide swath of residential, commercial, and industrial properties all along the 8 mile route by 1950.
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Related People, Places, and Events |
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Place of Use
Chicago, Illinois
Related Event
Highway Construction
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