Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. It's known for its lush greenery, manicured lawns, and picturesque residential areas. However, beneath its idyllic surface lies a dark and troubled history.
High Bridge, as it was officially known, stood as a testament to public activity – water sports, picnics, and pedestrian access to Lake Michigan. Built in the early 1890s, it offered breathtaking views of Jackson Park from its peak, drawing visitors from all over the city. The bridge was not only a popular spot but also a site where dozens of people took their lives. This morbid reputation earned it the nickname "Suicide Bridge" or "Bridge of Sighs."
Experts point to the Gilded Age in America as a contributing factor to the high number of suicides during this period. It was a time of economic hardship, with widespread unemployment and a lack of social safety nets. The United States economy collapsed in 1893, leaving many Americans without jobs or resources.
Tony Szabelski, a longtime Chicago tour guide, reflects on the era, stating that people didn't just come to die; they would picnic under the bridge, even if only to be there when someone else took their life. Witnessing death as a spectacle was not uncommon back then. Domestic violence and abuse were also prevalent issues during this time.
Police officers eventually patrolled the area, but it wasn't enough to stop all attempts at self-harm. By 1919, the city decided to close the bridge, and by the end of that year, Lincoln Park commissioners voted to dismantle it entirely.
Today, rowers glide past the spot where High Bridge once stood. There are no obvious signs of its existence, a stark reminder of how history can be erased or forgotten. Paul Durica, director of exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum, believes that those who died on High Bridge deserve a memorial. The era's hardships and social issues make it imperative to remember the people who lost their lives there.
The story of Lincoln Park's High Bridge serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of economic hardship, lack of social support systems, and the societal attitudes of the time. As we navigate our own struggles with mental health and social welfare, it is essential to learn from history and create safety nets for those who may be struggling.
High Bridge, as it was officially known, stood as a testament to public activity – water sports, picnics, and pedestrian access to Lake Michigan. Built in the early 1890s, it offered breathtaking views of Jackson Park from its peak, drawing visitors from all over the city. The bridge was not only a popular spot but also a site where dozens of people took their lives. This morbid reputation earned it the nickname "Suicide Bridge" or "Bridge of Sighs."
Experts point to the Gilded Age in America as a contributing factor to the high number of suicides during this period. It was a time of economic hardship, with widespread unemployment and a lack of social safety nets. The United States economy collapsed in 1893, leaving many Americans without jobs or resources.
Tony Szabelski, a longtime Chicago tour guide, reflects on the era, stating that people didn't just come to die; they would picnic under the bridge, even if only to be there when someone else took their life. Witnessing death as a spectacle was not uncommon back then. Domestic violence and abuse were also prevalent issues during this time.
Police officers eventually patrolled the area, but it wasn't enough to stop all attempts at self-harm. By 1919, the city decided to close the bridge, and by the end of that year, Lincoln Park commissioners voted to dismantle it entirely.
Today, rowers glide past the spot where High Bridge once stood. There are no obvious signs of its existence, a stark reminder of how history can be erased or forgotten. Paul Durica, director of exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum, believes that those who died on High Bridge deserve a memorial. The era's hardships and social issues make it imperative to remember the people who lost their lives there.
The story of Lincoln Park's High Bridge serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of economic hardship, lack of social support systems, and the societal attitudes of the time. As we navigate our own struggles with mental health and social welfare, it is essential to learn from history and create safety nets for those who may be struggling.
I mean, can you even imagine having a place in the middle of a bustling city that's like, super welcoming one minute, and then super dark and depressing the next? It's wild how something as beautiful as a bridge can have such a morbid history 
. And yeah, it makes total sense that the economic stuff back then would lead to all that mental health drama 
. I feel like we're still dealing with some of those same issues today, you know? Like, social support systems and stuff should be a basic human right, but I guess that's not always the case 
. It's actually kinda sad that people lost their lives on that bridge, even if it was a long time ago... 
this is so wild, like how can you forget a place that had such a dark history? and yeah, the whole Gilded Age thing makes total sense - I mean, we've seen some rough economic times in recent years too 
it's crazy to think people used to picnic under a bridge where people were literally taking their lives. anyway, i think paul durica is totally right that those who died there deserve a memorial - we should be remembering the people who struggled with mental health issues back then and not just erasing their history from our city's memory 
but yeah, let's hope we can do better next time around 
We can't just tear down the past without acknowledging its relevance to our present.
. And it's crazy that there are no signs of the bridge anymore - like, it's just a reminder that our histories can get erased 
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. Also, can we talk about how beautiful and tranquil Lincoln Park looks now? it's like a total contrast to that dark past 
It's crazy how we've come so far, but also how some things never change... the need for support and safety nets. We should def make sure to remember those who died on High Bridge, it's a sobering reminder of what we've been through before 
. They'd say that people didn't have all these new-fangled things like therapy or support groups. If you were struggling with your mental health, you just dealt with it on your own or ended up in a hospital 
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. We need to learn from history and make sure we're doing better for ourselves and our communities 
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. And yeah, I think a memorial for all those people who died on High Bridge is a good idea 
. It's not just about remembering the past, but also about making sure we don't repeat the same mistakes 
like why cant we learn from history? they should def build a memorial for those who died there i mean mental health is super important rn and we need to make sure ppl have resources 2 cope w/ stuff 
. And not having any support systems is just heartbreaking 
. As a parent, I wanna make sure my kids are safe & supported, but I know that's not always possible for everyone 
. Can't we do more to prevent ppl from taking their lives? 
. I mean, can you imagine having a spot that's literally become synonymous with self-harm and feeling like you're not being taken seriously? 
. I mean, think about it – in 1893, America was going through this huge economic collapse and suddenly everyone's mental health is on the line? 
it's crazy! And yet, here we are today talking about how important it is to have resources in place for people who are struggling.
. But at the same time, I think we need to be careful not to romanticize or glorify the past 
. We've got to focus on creating a better future, one that doesn't leave people feeling like they're stuck in this never-ending cycle of struggle 
#HighBridgeMemorial #MentalHealthMatters #LearnFromThePast
? It's like, the ultimate symbol of desperation. But at the same time, it's crazy how something so morbid could become a tourist attraction. Like, people would actually picnic under that thing... even if it was a potential death spot 
. It's wild to think about the era we're living in and how much more we've learned about mental health and social welfare. I mean, the Gilded Age was like, a super dark time for America 
. It's crazy to think that the economy was so bad that ppl were literally dying under this bridge 
I wish they'd at least built a memorial or something to acknowledge what went down there. It's not like it's forgotten or anything, but it feels like the city is actively trying to erase its history. 
. I think it's essential that we learn from this chapter in history and create more supportive systems for those struggling with mental health issues