Chicago Elevated Railway

The Chicago Elevated Railway was a pioneering transit system in Chicago, established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring elevated train tracks running above streets. It provided rapid, reliable transportation across the city, helping to accommodate growing urban populations and fostering economic development. The system included multiple companies that built and operated these elevated lines, which eventually merged into larger transit entities. Known for its engineering innovation and influence on urban transit, the Chicago Elevated Railway laid the groundwork for modern rapid transit systems in major cities worldwide.