Bowen, James Harvey

James Harvey Bowen Soundex Code B500

James Harvey Bowen was the first person who opened the Calumet River and Calumet Harbor. He is known as the "Father of South Chicago". He brought the first boat into the Calumet Harbor on Tuesday, April 11, 1871.

He was a very important figure in the development of the Calumet region. Bowen's first contact with the Calumet Area was when he became president of the Calumet and Chicago Canal and Dock Company in 1867. He helped to improve the Calumet area. The way he improved the river was by draining sloughs, deepening the river and building piers and docks.

He organized the construction of railroad lines and bridges around the Calumet area. Many other things were built because of this man. Bowen also donated an old building located on Harbor Avenue between 91st and 92nd street, which became the first firehouse for the first Fire Department of South Chicago.

Disaster struck on Sunday, May 1, 1881 when Bowen was thrown from his buggy at a railroad crossing on Commercial Avenue. What happened was that the horse became startled when he heard an engine blow off steam. The horse jumped, which caused Bowen to fall off the buggy into a ditch on the east side of the street.

Mr. Doyle carried Bowen to the South Chicago Hotel where they tried to save him. But, on Tuesday, May 3, 1881, Bowen died at age 59. In his honor a school was named after him, Bowen High School.