The Des Plaines River. It seems so tranquil now. But did you know that this peaceful river played a pivotal role in the early history of Chicago and its surrounding areas? Long before settlers arrived, the Native Americans, including the Potawatomi, used the Des Plaines River as a vital transportation route and portage, connecting the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. Imagine their canoes gliding along these waters, laden with goods and furs.
French explorers, arriving in the 17th century, recognized the river’s importance, naming it “La Rivière des Plaines,” meaning “River of the Plains.” This name, however, might be a bit of a linguistic puzzle. Some historians believe it refers not to the surrounding prairies, but to the abundance of sycamore and red maple trees along its banks, which resembled European plane trees.
As settlers began to arrive in the 19th century, the Des Plaines River became a pathway to new lives and homesteads. Imagine families making their way along the river, their wagons creaking under the weight of their belongings, their eyes bright with the hope of a new beginning. The river powered mills, provided water for their crops, and even carried away waste. However, its tendency to flood, a characteristic noted even by early explorers, also brought challenges.
Today, as you stand here, gazing at the calm waters of the Des Plaines River at Riverside, try to imagine the echoes of the past. This river, once a lifeline for Native Americans and early settlers, now offers us a place for recreation and reflection. Yet, it still carries the legacy of those who came before.