Webquest: DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY (By Erik Larson)

 

The late 19th century version of Chicago is a lot different than the city we know today. With the inception of the world's fair, one man strove to make Chicago a world-class city, while another man would use the legendary event to trap his murder victims. Follow the links below to learn more about the story of 1893 Chicago and events that would change it, and the entire county.

 

 

 

PART ONE: Choose three of the topics listed below. Use the provided sites to answer the questions in complete sentences. (Click on underlined phrases to reach sites). HINT: Read the information on these sites in its entirety!

* Story of a grave site: Potter and Bertha Palmer

What destroyed Potter Palmer's accomplishments and how did he rebuild?

Of what was Bertha Palmer a patron?

What is notable about their gravesite?

 

 

* Skyscaper Guy: Daniel Burnham

Name three important buildings that Burnham or his firm were responsible for creating.

For what did Burnham earn his greatest reputation?

 

 

* Friend to the City: Carter Harrison

What was Harrison's job?

Name two of Harrison's important accomplishments in Chicago?

How did Harrison's life end and how was he memorialized?

 

 

* Champion of Cities: Frederick Law Olmsted

From this description, what can you surmise is landscape architecture?
Why is it important?
Name three places Olmsted created (by himself or with partners)?

 

 

* A Very Special Park: Midway Plaisance

What was the Columbian Exposition of 1893?

What was one later use for the midway (after the fair)?

 

* Dancin' Machine: Little Egypt
Who/what was Little Egypt?

What dance was introduced at the Columbian Exposition?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


PART TWO: Choose three of the topics below. Click on them and read the provided information. Then, format three questions about each topic. These should not be yes or no questions. HINT: Start each question with who, what, when, why, where, or how. Think about connections that make these topics relevant to a story taking place in 1893 Chicago & the World's Fair.

Statue of the Republic
Draining of Hyde Park swampland
The first Ferris Wheel
Charles Dudley Arnold
H.H. Holmes

 
 

PART THREE: Visit The Devil in the White City novel home page by clicking on this link. Explore the information there and write one well constructed paragraph about what you learned about the novel and what you are curious or confused about after the introduction.

 

Other activities (credit/requirement as directed by your instructor)

*** Find a relevant website for one of the following topics:

Sophia Hayden
Wooded Island


***The picture at the top of this page is a cover for the novel Devil in the White City. The picture to the left is the most popular cover for the novel. Using some of the researched topics, find and submit a relevant photo and cover design of your own.

 

 

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