June 6, 1892 - service begins between downtown Chicago (Congress Street) and 39th Street, using trains powered by steam locomotives.
January 22, 1893 - line in service as far south as 61st Street.
May 12, 1893 - line completed to Jackson Park, location of the Columbian Exposition World's Fair that year.
January 14, 1897 - South Side Elevated Railroad incorporated to acquire bankrupt South Side Rapid Transit.
October 18, 1897 - trains start using Loop elevated line, being the only steam powered elevated line to use the Loop.
April 15, 1898 - electric operation introduced.
March 10, 1902 - Congress Street terminal reopened for certain rush hour trains, relieving congestion around Loop elevated.
November 3, 1905 - Englewood branch opens between 58th Street and State Street.
May 25, 1907 - Normal Park branch opens.
July 13, 1907 - Englewood branch completed to Loomis Blvd.
September 20, 1907 - Kenwood branch opens.
April 8, 1908 - Stock Yards branch opens.