Today in History: Louis H. Sullivan

Van Allen office building, designed by celebrated Chicago School architect Louis H. Sullivan, Chicago, Illinois

Today in History–September 3–the Library of Congress features architect Louis H. Sullivan, born on this day in 1856 in Boston, Massachusetts. Sullivan moved to Chicago early in his career in 1873. After the great Chicago fire of 1871 there was much work to do and Sullivan became a pioneer in the design of skyscrapers known for his core philosophy that “form ever follows function”. Learn more about this prolific architect who inspired generations of others by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Sullivan and architecture.

Louis H. Sullivan image set

Louis H. Sullivan historical newspaper coverage

The Autobiography of an Idea by Louis H. Sullivan 1924

Celebrating 150 Years of Louis Sullivan Chicago History Museum

Historical newspaper coverage: Chicago architect

Historical newspaper coverage: Chicago architecture

Today in History: Skyscrapers

Primary Source Spotlight: Architecture

City Spotlight: Chicago, Illinois