The Oldest House in Chicago Is More Than 186 Years Old

Chicago is a culturally rich city filled with plenty of things to do and see. The city was incorporated on March 4, 1837, with a history of settlements dating back long before the 1800s. Illinois became a state on December 3, 1818. With this unique city’s long history, you can imagine just how old some of the buildings are. The oldest house in Chicago is more than 186 years old! Follow along to learn more about this beautiful, historic building.

What is the Oldest House in Chicago?

The oldest house in Chicago is the Clarke-Ford House. It was built in 1836. This house has been moved multiple times. Originally, it sat on a large lot near Michigan Avenue and 17th Street. This gorgeous home was built for Henry B. Clarke. After he passed away, his widowed wife, Caroline Palmer Clarke, developed the land to complete the home. She lived until 1860. The home, at this point, was known as the “Widow Clarke’s House”. 

Eleven years after her death, John Chrimes purchased the home and moved it farther south to 45th Street and Wabash Avenue. By the 1940s, Bishop Louis Henry, Margaret Ford, and the St. Paul Church of God in Christ took care of this historic building, preserving the home. Somehow, this old house has survived catastrophes like two moves and a fire!

Can You Visit the Clarke-Ford House?

If you want to peer into a pre-Civil War home, still standing for nearly two centuries, you’re in luck! The Clarke-Ford House acts as a museum. Although it’s a museum, as of November 2023, it’s closed due to a re-imagining of its public programming. Check online for updates on when they’ll open for tours.

Other Chicago Landmarks

Chicago is stunning. You aren’t limited to just visiting the oldest house in Chicago. There are dozens of buildings throughout the state that have stood tall for over 100 years. Listed below are other notable Chicago landmarks.

William and Jessie M. Adams House

The first old building and landmark on our list is the William and Jessie M. Adams House. This unique prairie school-style home is at 9326 South Pleasant Avenue. Frank Lloyd Wright built this squarish house between 1900 and 1901. The original owner of the home was William Adams, a Scottish immigrant. However, the home switched owners in 1952. It remained in the family from 1952 until 2014. This impressive historic home was sold for $980,000. The William and Jessie M. Adams House was designated a Chicago landmark on June 16, 1994.

Allerton Hotel

The Allerton Hotel is another incredible Chicago landmark. The best thing about this building is that it’s still open as a hotel, meaning you can experience this stunning building overnight. The Allerton Hotel, now known as the Warwick Allerton – Chicago is a 25-story hotel skyscraper with a long history. Construction on the site began in 1922, and just two years later it opened. The Allerton Hotel was designated a Chicago Landmark on May 29, 1998.

All Saints Episcopal Church

We have houses, hotels, and now churches on our list of Chicago landmarks. The All Saints Episcopal Church in Chicago is in the Ravenswood neighborhood. John C. Cochrane designed and built this stick-style church in 1883. The church was almost demolished in the early 1900s, but the Great Depression stalled this plan. However, by the 1990s, there were 30 or fewer congregation members. Despite dwindling numbers, the church bounced back up and continues to operate today.

Biograph Theater

Another iconic Chicago landmark is the Biograph Theater. It’s one of Chicago’s oldest remaining neighborhood movie houses. Samuel N. Crowen designed the combined theater-and-stores structure in 1914. The theater is two stories high and has many unique features from its original design like a storefront-width lobby, free-standing ticket booth, recessed entrance, and canopy marquee. What sets this theater apart from others is the killing of American gangster, John Dillinger. On July 22, 1934, the FBI with the help of Ana Cumpănaș (the woman in red), tracked down John Dillinger. After watching the film, Manhattan Melodrama, he exited the building and was met with FBI agents. He was shot to death after he tried to pull a pistol and flee. Not only is this theater a Chicago landmark, but it’s also on the National Register of Historic Places.

Allan Miller House

Last but not least is another prairie-style home, the Allan Miller House on Paxton Avenue. John S. Van Bergen designed and built the Allan Miller House in 1915 for Allan Miller, an advertising firm executive, who commissioned the house. This building is the only remaining example of John S. Van Bergen’s work in Chicago. Like the Biograph Theater, this house is also on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.