However, the Loop frequently overflowed, so the terminals were reopened or rebuilt in the early 20th century to accommodate excess traffic during rush hours.
The Northwestern, despite not opening until well after Loop service had begun, built a terminal over North Water Street.
Although plans for Chicago to have rapid transit dated to 1869, it would not come to the city until the South Side Elevated Railroad opened in June 1892.
While right of way was fairly easy to acquire outside of the downtown area, retail opposition to elevated railroads in the central business district hindered efforts to serve it.
The Metropolitan opened originally to Canal, but after a week extended across the Chicago River to Franklin Street.