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This area contains much of interest for persons of an historic mind. Carpenter Road and Gross Point Road mark the northerly sections of two alternative Indian trails which led, from the Chicago Portage and the Great Trail to the Mississippi, to the Green Bay Trail at Gross Point now known as Wilmette. Elston Road was an early Indian trail from the Lake shore at the downtown forks of the Chicago River, leading to Wisconsin. Milwaukee Avenue is of relatively recent origin, more direct than Elston Road, and constructed as the Northern Plank Road during the middle 1800's.
The north Indian Boundary line crosses this Division near its southern borders. That is the northern limit of a twenty mile strip, ceded to the whites in 1816 and extending from the lake shore southwesterly to the head of navigation on the Illinois River. At the Treaty of Prairie du Chien, in 1829, Billy Caldwell was made a Chief of the Ottawa, Chippewa and Potowatomi Nations of Indians, along with several other half-breeds.
It was through the efforts of these men and other friendly intermediaries that, by this treaty and the later Treaties of 1832 and 1833, the Indians were induced to leave this region for lands across the Mississippi. As a reward for years of friendly service, and for their influence with the Indians, the United States Government made many land grants to those individuals. Three of these grants lay in this Forest Preserve Division: the Billy Caldwell Reserve of 1600 acres on either side of the North Branch of the Chicago River and north of and adjoining the Indian Boundary line; and grants of 320 acres and 160 acres, respectively, to two sisters -- Mrs. Victoria Porthier and Jane Mirandeau. These women for many years were servants of the Kinzie family prior to the Fort Dearborn Massacre.
The Fort Dearborn trading post was a magnet for the several Indian tribes. Historians have indicated the site of many Indian villages and camps in this North Branch area and many local and minor trails. Their use, however, was largely seasonal and consequently were of minor importance.
This is the most intensively used Division of the Forest Preserve District, due to its several picnic areas, two golf courses and Whealan Swimming Pool within or adjacent to the City of Chicago, and their accessibility by public transportation.
Areas notable for wild flowers and other interesting vegetation.
Chris Jensen Toboggan Slides.
North Branch Division Headquarters
North Branch Prairie Restoration Project (4 Areas)
Jane (or Genevieve) Mirandeau Reserve
Victoria Porthier Reserve
Billy Caldwell (the Sauganash) Reserve
Edgebrook Golf Course -- 18 hole
Area notable for fine Hackberry trees
Billy Caldwell Golf Course -- 9 hole
Indian Boundary Line
The trails in this North Branch Division are located on both sides of the river from Oakton St. northward to Church St. where they connect with those in the Skokie Division. From Oakton St. southward to Foster Ave., altho there are various informal paths -- especially along the river -- there are no marked or improved trails.
More information about Forest Preserve Trails
This page is based on a publication of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois, adapted for the web as a public service by CLONK. This web site is unofficial, and not associated in any way with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. CLONK is not responsible for any errors, either in the original publication or in this web version. The information presented here follows the original Forest Preserve District publication as closely as possible, with minor variations such as choice of typeface and added web links. CLONK cautions that items such as names of public servants and telephone numbers are subject to change! This web version was completed Spring, 2000.
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