Drawing by Kevin S. and Mike M. Daniel Hudson Burnham (1846-1912) When was this important man born? What did Burnham do in his early years? What did Burnham and Root design together? What did Burnham do in his middle and later years? What is Daniel Burnham's most famous quote?       When was this important man born? Daniel Burnham was born September 4, 1846. Return To Top       What did Burnham do in his early years? In 1872, when Burnham was 26, he joined an architectural firm led by John Wellborn Root. A year later, the two men started an architectural firm together. Burnham and Root built one of the earliest skyscrapers in Chicago, the Montauk Block. The invention of the electric elevator, light bulbs, the telephone, and the cast-iron building skeleton made the construction of this skyscraper possible. Return To Top       What else did Burnham and Root design together? Burnham and Root also designed the Rookery and the Monadnock, both early Chicago skyscrapers. These early skyscrapers had very thick walls made of masonry, which was strong enough to support the weight of the building. Return To Top       What did Burnham do in his middle and later years? Burnham was still working with Root when they were assigned the architectural responsibility for the World's Columbian Exhibition in 1893. Unfortunately, Root died that year. Burnham then asked other architects to help him. Later he had other projects. Burnham worked improving such cities as Chicago, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Manila, and Cleveland. Return To Top     What is Daniel Burnham's most famous quote? Burnham's famous quote was, "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir mens' blood." Return To Top  BUILDINGS | ARCHITECTS | BASICS | GAMES | LINKS | BIBLIOGRAPHY | ABOUT US | EMAIL | HOME