Any other Illini surprised to learn the college once had a Navy Pier campus?
On Oct. 21, 1946, the university opened a city location for all the World War II veterans taking advantage of the GI Bill.
The two-year commuter campus, called the “Harvard on the Rocks," wasn’t exactly comfortable for students who complained of the distracting noises and smells of the pier’s working dock, the Tribune reported.
But that didn’t stop demand: The Navy Pier location quickly reached its capacity of 5,500 students, according to WTTW.
More than 100,000 students, including former Gov. James R. Thompson, attended the Navy Pier college during its almost 20 years in operation, according to the Encyclopedia of Chicago. (Author and Logan Square native Shel Silverstein lied about attending the campus.)
In 1965, the campus relocated and expanded to the Near West Side, sparking displacement and gentrification in the area.
This Week in Chi History: U of I Navy Pier
Sidney Madden
University of Illinois at Navy Pier in 1960. (Don Honick / Chicago History Museum / Getty)
Share article
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Chicago History
Who’s Preserving Chicago Family History?
If you are like me, all your family history lives within multiple photo albums and VHS tapes stored in your parents’ living room cabinets.
Happy Birthday, Chicago!
Chicago's official incorporation was in 1837, but Native American tribes had thriving trade networks across the Great Lakes region going...
The History of Millennium Park
With free events slated from July 18 to 21, let’s take a look back at the origin story of the city’s iconic public park.
Take This Chicago Women's History Month Quiz
Not ready for Women’s History Month to end?
How March Became Women’s History Month
International events, such as International Women's Day, may be why we celebrate women's history in March.
Chi’s Brief Role in Underwear History
Since the late 1800s, S.T. Cooper & Sons (later Cooper's) had been in the undergarment business.
This Week in Chi History: Rainbow Push Coalition Formed
Jesse Jackson formed Operation PUSH (People United to Serve Humanity) on Christmas Day more than 50 years ago this week.
This Week in Chi History: Jane Byrne
Eight years ago today, the city’s first woman mayor died.
The latest in Chicago
Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz
How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.
Partners In Crime Offers Beach-Ready Mystery and Romance Novels
Jeff and Amanda Morse combined their love for the mystery and romance genres by creating a bookstore that specializes in both.
Where to Find Summer Beach Reads
Chicago has nearly 100 independent bookstores, so here are a few spots that specialize in genres that sound best by the lake.
Hidden Gem Swimming Spots
Underrated swimming spots in Chicago this Summer.
The Hot Dog Cart-icle
Hot dog carts are rare in Chicago. Consider visiting one this National Hot Dog Day!
Your Guide To Chicago’s Ice Cream
Where to get ice cream in Chicago this Summer
7 — Yes, 7! — New Cafes
Every month, we bring you the newest restaurant openings across Chicago. This month, they’re all cafes!
Why Kids Love Teddy’s Ice Cream and Its Giant Inflatable Bear
A look into Teddy's Ice Cream in Chicago
