Chicago and the Old Northwest, 1673-1835

A thoughtful, well‑researched narrative traces Chicago’s beginnings from the first European explorers who first navigated the vital Chicago Portage. It follows the slow emergence of a frontier settlement amid the dense wilderness of the Old Northwest, showing how geography and trade routes shaped early growth. The author balances scholarly detail with a clear, engaging style that brings the late‑17th‑century landscape to life.

The book moves through the turbulent decades of French and British competition, the protracted Fox Wars, and the Revolutionary era’s impact on the region. Central to the story is the founding of Fort Dearborn, a key outpost that illustrates the complex and often uneasy relationships between settlers and the Native nations they encountered. Readers gain insight into the early Indian trade, diplomatic negotiations, and the challenges of frontier life.

Drawing on a wide array of primary documents—journals, official reports, and personal letters—the work offers a reliable foundation for anyone curious about the forces that forged Chicago’s early identity. It provides a vivid portrait of a frontier on the cusp of transformation, perfect for listeners who appreciate meticulous yet readable history.