Michigan Avenue Bridge, Chicago

This is possibly the most-photographed spot in Chicago, but more for its picturesque view over the river than for its historic significance. Plaques embedded in the sidewalk mark the spot of the original Fort Dearborn, where Chicago's first settlers staked their claim off of Lake Michigan. The bas-relief sculptures on the bridge represent important events in early Chicago history. They are interesting and controversial because they depict Native Americans as the bad guys in the struggle over the "Chickaguo" territory.