In the upscale neighborhood of Lincoln Park in Chicago, a dark secret lies hidden beneath its pristine foliage. For nearly a century, dozens of people met their deaths at the infamous "Suicide Bridge" - also known as the High Bridge. The bridge, which once stood tall over Lake Michigan, was a popular spot for water sports and picnics, but it became notorious for its association with tragic suicides.
The story begins in the late 1890s, when the economic downturn of the Gilded Age hit Chicago hard. Many people lost their jobs, homes, and livelihoods, leading to widespread poverty and desperation. Newspapers at the time reported on nearly two dozen deaths by jumping from the bridge, while some sources put the number even higher.
Despite efforts to install a safety net under the bridge, authorities were unable to prevent all suicides. In fact, many of those who attempted to take their own lives were women who had been subjected to domestic violence and felt they had no other options. The lack of social support and institutional protection during this period is staggering.
The High Bridge's dark history was largely forgotten after it was closed in 1919. The bridge itself has long since disappeared, with only a small lagoon remaining where the structure once stood. Today, rowers cruise down the lagoon, unaware of the tragic events that took place there.
In a way, this is what makes the story of the High Bridge so hauntingly poignant - a symbol of societal neglect and failure to support those in crisis. The era's economic downturn was a perfect storm of desperation and despair, which ultimately led to some of Chicago's most heartbreaking tragedies.
As we look back at a time when death was often framed as a spectacle rather than a tragedy, it's clear that the High Bridge serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when we fail to provide support for those in need.
The story begins in the late 1890s, when the economic downturn of the Gilded Age hit Chicago hard. Many people lost their jobs, homes, and livelihoods, leading to widespread poverty and desperation. Newspapers at the time reported on nearly two dozen deaths by jumping from the bridge, while some sources put the number even higher.
Despite efforts to install a safety net under the bridge, authorities were unable to prevent all suicides. In fact, many of those who attempted to take their own lives were women who had been subjected to domestic violence and felt they had no other options. The lack of social support and institutional protection during this period is staggering.
The High Bridge's dark history was largely forgotten after it was closed in 1919. The bridge itself has long since disappeared, with only a small lagoon remaining where the structure once stood. Today, rowers cruise down the lagoon, unaware of the tragic events that took place there.
In a way, this is what makes the story of the High Bridge so hauntingly poignant - a symbol of societal neglect and failure to support those in crisis. The era's economic downturn was a perfect storm of desperation and despair, which ultimately led to some of Chicago's most heartbreaking tragedies.
As we look back at a time when death was often framed as a spectacle rather than a tragedy, it's clear that the High Bridge serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when we fail to provide support for those in need.
. It's crazy to think that something like that just kinda got lost in time. Like, who even remembers the High Bridge? 
I mean, I get why it was closed down after all those tragic incidents, but it's sad to think that a place where people went to escape their problems ended up being the very thing that took them away from us 
.
. But at the same time, I don't want to be all like "back in my day" 
. This is a reminder that our societal safety nets need serious work, especially when it comes to supporting people who are struggling 
.
. The High Bridge story might be a bit morbid, but it's a powerful warning sign about the importance of being there for each other 
.