Col. Wood's Museum: The Resilient Curiosity Shop of Old Chicago
In the mid-19th century, Chicago was a city of rapid growth and eclectic tastes. Among its most fascinating landmarks was Col. Wood's Museum, a venue dedicated to the bizarre, the scientific, and the extraordinary. Founded by Col. John H. Wood, the museum served as a Midwestern counterpart to the famous Barnum's American Museum in New York City, offering citizens a glimpse into the wonders of the natural and man-made world.
The First Incarnation (1864–1871)
Opening its doors on March 22, 1864, the original museum was located at the corner of Clark and Randolph Streets. For a modest admission fee of a quarter, visitors could explore a vast collection of oddities. The exhibits were designed to provoke wonder and curiosity, blending natural history with historical artifacts.
The collection was diverse, featuring approximately sixty cases of insects, birds, and reptiles. Highlights included a detailed panorama of London, various model ships, and paintings depicting Native Americans. Among the most prized historical items was a rifle once owned by the frontiersman Daniel Boone. The museum also showcased architectural ambition with a scale model of the Parthenon and a massive 96-foot-long skeleton of a Basilosaurus (referred to as the "Great Zeuglodon"). Adding to the mystique were two mummies accompanied by papyri that had previously belonged to Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement.
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Trial by Fire and Rebirth
The museum's journey was marked by extreme volatility, mirroring the precarious nature of 19th-century urban life. The first location and its entire collection were completely destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire. However, Col. Wood's determination was as enduring as his exhibits. Just one week after the disaster, he leased the Globe Theatre, situated just outside the main downtown district, to begin rebuilding his collection.
After years of gathering new specimens and artifacts, the museum reopened in 1875. This second version occupied the second through fourth floors of the Globe Theatre building and maintained the quarter-dollar admission fee. Unfortunately, history repeated itself in 1877 when this iteration was also destroyed by fire.
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The Final Chapter at the Olympia Theatre
Undeterred by two catastrophic losses, Col. Wood reopened the museum for a third and final time in 1884. This version was housed in the leased Olympia Theatre building. While a restaurant continued to operate on the ground floor, Wood utilized the remaining four floors to display his novelties. Over time, the venue expanded its capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 visitors.
Key Facts
- Founder: Col. John H. Wood.
- Original Opening: March 22, 1864.
- Admission Price: 25 cents (a quarter).
- Notable Exhibit: A 96-foot Basilosaurus skeleton.
- Resilience: The museum was destroyed by fire twice before its final reopening in 1884.
- Final Location: The Olympia Theatre building.
| Period | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1864–1871 | Clark and Randolph Streets | Destroyed by Great Chicago Fire |
| 1875–1877 | Globe Theatre | Destroyed by fire |
| 1884–End | Olympia Theatre | Final operational version |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the inspiration for Col. Wood's Museum?
According to Perry R. Duis, the museum was intended to be Chicago's version of Barnum's American Museum, which operated in New York City from 1841 until 1865.
What were some of the most unusual items on display?
The museum featured a 96-foot-long Basilosaurus skeleton, mummies with papyri from Joseph Smith, and a rifle owned by Daniel Boone.
How many times was the museum destroyed?
The museum was destroyed by fire twice: first during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and again in 1877.
Where was the final version of the museum located?
The final version of the museum was located in the Olympia Theatre building, where it occupied four floors above a restaurant.
How much did it cost to visit the museum?
For both the first and second incarnations of the museum, the admission fee was a quarter.