The High Flyer Newsletter #105

Author

Brett Perry
June 06, 2024

From Orchards to Runways

Author: Jason Smith

In the heart of the American Midwest, a transformation of epic proportions has unfolded over the last century. What began as a humble landscape of apple orchards and farmlands has metamorphosed into one of the world's busiest and most significant aviation hubs—Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Sequenced aerial images showing the development of Chicago O’Hare International Airport from 1939 to 2021. (HistoricAerials.com)

For those who delve into the rich aerial imagery archives of HistoricAerials, the story of O'Hare is not just one of planes and runways but of a community and a landscape in constant evolution. HistoricAerials has aerial imagery of this area as far back as 1938, allowing us to see not only what it was like then, now, and many of the intervening years.

A town named Orchard Place

The origins of Chicago O'Hare trace back to the late 19th century when the area was known for its expansive apple orchards. This rural landscape was fundamentally altered in 1887 with the construction of the Wisconsin Central Railroad. With the railroad came a depot, a symbolic beacon of the economic opportunities yet to come. This stop on the railroad was named Orchard Place. The name reflected the predominant agricultural activity and marked the beginning of the area's transition from farmland to industrial and residential development.

In aerial imagery from 1938, the village that grew up around this stop on the railroad can be seen. Over time, this site was essentially crossed off the map by the freeway lanes of I-90. (HistoricAerials.com)

Ravenswood Airport

Decades before O’Hare, the first airport of Orchard Place was Ravenswood Airport, a small but significant airfield, built in 1929, that catered to the burgeoning field of aviation. Ravenswood, with its irregularly shaped 40-acre sod field with four runways, played a crucial role in the early days of American flight, hosting a variety of aircraft from biplanes to early monoplanes. It was a focal point for aviation enthusiasts and served as a critical training and maintenance hub.

One of the most notable incidents in Ravenswood's history was the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 191 in 1979, shortly after takeoff from O'Hare. The crash, which resulted in the loss of all 271 passengers and crew, remains the deadliest aviation accident in U.S. history and a somber chapter in the legacy of the area.

1951 aerial image of Ravenswood Airport, Rosewood, Illinois. (HistoricAerials.com)

Douglas Airport-Orchard Field

World War II brought the next significant phase of transformation to the area with the establishment of Douglas Airport-Orchard Field. The U.S. government requisitioned the land to build a manufacturing plant for the Douglas Aircraft Company, where they produced C-54 Skymaster transport planes vital for the war effort. The airfield's designation "ORD" originates from this period, derived from "Orchard" and "Douglas."

An early view of the Douglas Aircraft plant and the new runways of Douglas Airport-Orchard Field, 1943. (Source: Bensenville Historical Collection, Illinois Digital Archives.)

1962 aerial image of Douglas Airport-Orchard Field. This image features three C-54 Skymaster airplanes, several twin-boom aircraft, and at the bottom, a lot full of single-engine planes. (HistoricAerials.com)

After the war, the transition from a military to a commercial facility began. Recognizing the potential for a major aviation hub, the City of Chicago acquired the airfield in 1949 and began converting it into a commercial airport. By 1955, the newly named O'Hare International Airport opened its doors to commercial traffic, named in honor of Lieutenant Commander Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a World War II flying ace.

The Development of a Major International Airport

The transition from Orchard Field to O'Hare International Airport was marked by extensive construction and modernization efforts. The original runways, many of which are still visible in aerial imagery, laid the groundwork for an ever-expanding network of terminals and infrastructure. Over the decades, O'Hare has seen numerous expansions, including the addition of new runways, terminals, and advanced technological systems to handle increasing passenger volumes.

O'Hare's transformation into a major international airport positioned it as a critical node in global aviation. Its strategic location and capacity to handle a vast number of flights made it an essential gateway for both domestic and international travel.

The Cemeteries of O’Hare

Wilmer Old Settler Cemetery, St. John’s Cemetery, and Rest Haven Cemetery were located near Orchard Place. This 2021 aerial image shows the locations of the three cemeteries. (HistoricAerials.com)

The expansion of O'Hare had profound effects on the local community, particularly the cemeteries in the area. Three cemeteries were once integral parts of the Orchard Place community.

Wilmer Old Settler Cemetery, the smallest of the three cemeteries, was the first to be relocated early in the airport’s development. But the two remaining cemeteries, with the help of local preservationists, managed to hold their place while everything changed around them.

1939 aerial image showing two cemeteries that would eventually be enveloped by the expanding O’Hare airport complex. Of these two cemeteries, only Rest Haven Cemetery still exists. (HistoricAerials.com)

St. John's Cemetery faced a prolonged legal battle in the early 2000s as the City of Chicago sought to acquire the land for new runways. Despite significant opposition from families and preservationists, the Illinois Supreme Court eventually ruled in favor of the city's plans, leading to the relocation of the graves in 2009.

2008 photo of St. John’s Cemetery. Within a few years, these graves had all been relocated to make way for new runways. (Photo: Jason Smith)

In contrast, Rest Haven Cemetery managed to survive the expansions. Its smaller size and location made it less of an obstacle, and concerted efforts by the local community and preservationists ensured its preservation. Today, Rest Haven stands as a relic of the area's history amidst the modern developments surrounding it.

Google Earth image showing Rest Haven Cemetery and its surroundings as they are today.

A Legacy of Transformation

The story of Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a testament to the dynamic interplay between progress and preservation. From its beginnings as an orchard-filled rural community to its current status as a global aviation hub, O'Hare's history is rich with transformation and resilience. The airport code ‘ORD’ remains as a poignant emblem of its agricultural roots.

For enthusiasts of historic aerial imagery, the archives available on HistoricAerials offer a unique window into this remarkable evolution. By exploring these images, one can trace the dramatic changes over the decades and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of history that has shaped O'Hare.

We invite you to delve into the captivating history of Chicago O'Hare International Airport through the aerial imagery collections. Witness the transformation from orchards to runways, uncover the hidden remnants of the past, and appreciate the enduring legacy of this iconic aviation landmark.

New Images Added

The Mystery Spot (Answer)

In our last issue, featured a new Mystery Spot with a hint to help you figure out, or at least take a guess at, where it’s located. The hint was: “Although apples, cherries, and pears are no longer grown in these orchard fields, tens of millions of people come to this site every year on their way to somewhere else.”

What is this location? If you answered Chicago O’Hare International Airport, well done! This significant transformation from orchard fields to a major transportation hub exemplifies the dynamic changes captured in historic aerial imagery.

"Through the Lens" Documentary Update

We're continuing with more filming for our documentary on the history of aerial photography, titled "Through the Lens!"

We are currently working on a compelling documentary that tracks the development of aerial photography from its humble beginnings to the latest technological advancements. Our story begins with the early use of hot air balloons for capturing images from the sky and progresses through the innovations in satellite and drone technologies. This documentary aims to provide a detailed look at the major technological breakthroughs in the field and their impact on how we view the world from above. Through this exploration, we hope to offer an engaging overview of aerial photography’s rich history and its exciting potential for the future.

To learn more, view our teaser trailer on Youtube here.

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