Walter Smith Gurnee (March 9, 1813 – April 17, 1903) served as Mayor of Chicago (1851–53) for the Democratic Party.

Gurnee was born in Haverstraw, New York and arrived in Chicago in 1836 after spending time in Michigan.

Gurnee did well enough in this business, and in his tannery, that he amassed a large fortune before moving to New York City.

[7] Gurnee campaigned for the mayoralty on the issue of public ownership of the city's water supply.

He lost to "Long John" Wentworth, who had previously served a term as mayor as a Democrat, but had switched to the Republican Party.