Clarence Darrow Memorial Bridge
PANICd#: 2153
A bridge in Hyde Park that bridges the pond behind Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.
Columbia Basin
Chicago , IL 60637
Open to the public: No
Lat:
Lon:
Database Summary:
Demographic Rank: 0
History: 1
Stories: 2
Claims: 6
Evidence: 0
Resources: 2
Retrievals: 18
Vistor Rating: 0.0
Votes: 0
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History
History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.
In 1880, the Clarence Darrow Memorial Bridge was constructed in Chicago, Illinois. Burnham & Root, an architectural firm, created the design. The bridge was initially included in Jackson Park's design by Frederick Law Olmsted. Visitors at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 used it. In 1957, the bridge was renamed in honor of Clarence Darrow, a well-known Chicago lawyer (1857-1938). The bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Chicago Landmark. Because of safety concerns, the bridge has not been open to the public since 2013. This is also the location where the ashes of Clarence Darrow were spread after his death on March 13, 1938. Agnostic Darrow said he would return to this bridge and area on his death anniversary each year if there was an afterlife. Each year, a small group of admirers and historians gathers at the bridge to honor his memory and reflect on his legacy as a fierce advocate for justice. They share stories of his groundbreaking cases and his unwavering commitment to civil liberties, ensuring that his spirit continues to inspire future generations. As the sun sets over the bridge, the atmosphere becomes charged with a sense of reverence and purpose. Attendees lay flowers at the foot of the bridge, vowing to uphold the values he championed and to fight against injustice wherever it may arise.
Click on the image to enlarge/zoom Added by: sdonley on 02/08/2025
DB#:678
Source(s):
https://www.preservationchicago.org/threatened-com...
Stories
Stories are just that. Stories and personal accounts that have been reported about the location. This section could also contain research notes as well.
Added by: sdonley on 02/08/2025 DB#: 1647
Source(s):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV1zyjIesi8
Reports of the same claim recur frequently around the bridge and its surroundings. They report feeling watched, seeing a tall, dark figure dressed in early 1920s attire standing silently on the edge of the lagoon and peering down into the water. Witnesses often describe an overwhelming sense of dread when they spot the figure, as if it is aware of their presence. Local legends suggest that this mysterious apparition is linked to the famous attorney Clarence Darrow, who often visited this area and lived nearby when he was alive. Darrow, also an agnostic, claimed that if he could come back after death, this is where he would return, and he would do it close to the anniversary of his death. His ashes were spread in this area. Many visitors have reported strange occurrences and a palpable sense of unease when they venture near the site, leading some to believe that Darrow’s spirit continues to linger. Whether it’s the chilling whispers carried by the wind or the faint outline of a figure seen in the twilight, the tales of his haunting presence have only grown over the years, captivating both locals and tourists alike.
Added by: sdonley on 02/08/2025 DB#: 1648
Source(s):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence_Darrow
Paranormal Claims
Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.
| Claim # | Added | Added By | Claim |
| 3562 | 02/08/2025 | sdonley | The apparition of a tall man dressed in period clothing has been seen standing at the edge of the lagoon peering into the water. |
| 3563 | 02/08/2025 | sdonley | Some have reported the feeling of melancholy when they witness seeing the figure. |
| 3564 | 02/08/2025 | sdonley | People have reported the since of being watched when they are in the area. |
| 3565 | 02/08/2025 | sdonley | People have heard faint murmurs or whispers in the area. |
| 3566 | 02/08/2025 | sdonley | Some investigators have captured EVPs in the area. |
| 3567 | 02/08/2025 | sdonley | Some investigators have captured high EMF spikes in the area. |
Additional Resources
This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.
| Wikipedia Entry
Added: 02/08/2025 By: sdonley |
Wikipedia entry for this location. |
| Find A Grave
Added: 02/08/2025 By: sdonley |
Description talking about Clarence Darrow's ashes being spread around the area. |
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