Site of the first American automobile race

This plaque on a rock in Jackson Park marks the location of the start/finish line of the nation's first auto race. The Chicago Times-Herald race was held on November 28, 1895 (Thanksgiving Day).

Six vehicles (4 gasoline and 2 electric) raced through snow and mud for 54 miles going to the northern Chicago suburb Evanston and back. The Charles Duryea Motor Wagon driven by J. Frank Duryea won the race in 7 hours 53 minutes, averaging 7 mph (11 km/h).