Sure! Here's a rewritten and expanded version of your text: --- Recently, Smithsonian.com shared an interactive historical map of Chicago, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city before the Great Chicago Fire. This map, which can be explored using a virtual spyglass, originates from the renowned David Rumsey Map Collection. David Rumsey, a distinguished map collector who began amassing maps in the 1980s, provides insight into the nature of this particular map. With over 150,000 maps in his personal collection, Rumsey’s holdings stand as one of the largest private collections in the U.S. This detailed map of Chicago, created in 1868 by Rufus Blanchard, a prominent Chicago map publisher, was originally part of a guidebook titled "The Citizen’s Guide for the City of Chicago." Printed on thin paper, the map was lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for Chicago residents or visitors eager to explore the rapidly growing metropolis. As Rumsey highlights, "Chicago was a very active place during that period, experiencing rapid expansion." One striking feature of the map is the intricate network of railroads, with approximately seven major lines converging into the city. Today, most of these tracks have disappeared. To appreciate the city’s growth, focus on the western section of the map, where new subdivisions emerge amidst the street grid. These patterns reveal how distinct neighborhoods developed in isolated clusters. However, don't overlook the eastern portion of the map, particularly the shoreline of Lake Michigan. "Chicago extended eastward by filling in parts of the lake," Rumsey explains, "and this map captures that transformation beautifully." By examining the shoreline, you'll notice significant changes in landmass compared to earlier maps. The city ingeniously utilized Lake Michigan for urban development, including projects like the "Lake Tunnel" and "Tunnel crib" located in the upper-right corner of the map, which transported fresh water from the lake back to the city. Despite showcasing a thriving Chicago, the map also foreshadows tragedy. Within just a few years, the Great Chicago Fire would devastate large sections of the city. As Rumsey points out, areas shaded pink, green, and yellow to the north, along with blocks marked yellow and blue to the south, highlight the extensive damage caused by the fire. Thanks for sharing this incredible resource, Jeff! --- This version maintains the original meaning while adding depth and flow, ensuring it surpasses the 500-character mark naturally.

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