The beginnings of Chicago

Portage Sculpture, originally uploaded by kendoman26.

This sculpture marks the entrance into the Chicago Portage National Historic Site. Located at 48th and Harlem. The only remaining area of pre-Chicago history. This is the same land that Joliet portaged his canoe all the way to what is Ashland Avenue and the beginning of the south branch of the Chicago River.

This land was used by the traders to capture beaver and other wildlife. According to one of the info markers, wild leeks grow in this area giving off a pugent smell that the Indians called "Smelly Onion". This is probably were Chicago recieved it's name.

There's a short trail at the Historic Site, but a much larger trail on the other side of 47th street at the Ottawa Woods Forest Preserve. I'll have to trek out there some other time.