Old Fort Dearborn with surroundings in 1856

Print shows a blockhouse at center with a lighthouse to the left, a large tree in the right foreground and a smaller building labeled "Lake House" behind it. There are smokestacks and masts on a side-wheeler labeled "The Traveler", possibly at dock, beyond the lighthouse, and a large building in the background.

Accompanied by typeset description "History of Fort Dearborn" written by R.J. Bennett.
Typeset description ends with a note from Rufus Blanchard: "This picture of the fort herewith presented is a faithful reproduction of the one taken from nature and published by myself in 1856. Many copies were sold, but 38 years, together with the Chicago fire of 1871 have destroyed them, excepting a few. To the Hon. Luther Laflin Mills am I indebted for a copy in perfect preservation wherewith to republish this."
During the War of 1812 the United States government ordered the military to evacuate Fort Dearborn. On August 15, 1812, Captain Nathan Heald, who commanded the Fort, left with his troops for Fort Wayne. The entourage was ambushed by Native Americans and the Fort was burned to the ground. It was rebuilt in 1816.
Exchange; Chicago Historical Society; 1959 June.
Forms part of: Popular graphic art print filing series (Library of Congress).