Lynwood, Illinois is a small village located in Cook County. Despite its small size, Lynwood has a rich history with several significant events taking place within its vicinity. Here are seven historical events that occurred near Lynwood, IL:
1. The Underground Railroad: Lynwood was a stop on the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom during the early to mid-19th century. There were several safe houses in the area, and the community played an important role in helping enslaved people reach freedom in Canada.
2. The Battle of Calumet River: During the Chicago Railroad Riots of 1877, striking railroad workers clashed with police and members of the Illinois National Guard near the Calumet River, just a few miles from Lynwood. The battle resulted in the deaths of several workers and police officers, as well as the destruction of railroad property.
3. The Great Migration: Between 1916 and 1970, millions of African Americans migrated from the rural South to cities in the North and Midwest, including Chicago. Lynwood and the surrounding areas were among the destinations for migrants, who were seeking better opportunities and fleeing discrimination and violence in the South.
4. The Pullman Strike: In 1894, workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company in nearby Pullman went on strike to protest low wages and poor working conditions. The strike eventually became a national labor crisis, with the involvement of President Grover Cleveland and the U.S. military.
5. The Chicago Freedom Movement: In the 1960s, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led a movement for racial equality in Chicago. The movement included marches, protests, and demonstrations in Chicago and its suburbs, including Lynwood.
6. The Chicago Outfit: During the Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s, the Chicago Outfit, a powerful organized crime syndicate, operated in the Chicago area, including Lynwood. The Outfit was involved in bootlegging, gambling, and other illegal activities.
7. The Route 66 Era: Lynwood is located on the historic Route 66, a highway that stretched from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. During the mid-20th century, Route 66 was a popular route for road trips and travel, and several businesses, motels, and restaurants sprung up along the road in Lynwood and other towns.
Overall, Lynwood has a diverse and fascinating history, with significant events ranging from the Underground Railroad to the Route 66 era. By exploring these events, we can gain a better understanding of the village's place in American history.
7 Pieces Of History Near Lynwood, IL
---Learn Every Day: IL Today In History Facts Texted Each Day - Text: history il To: 618-270-4005---
- Tags: IL
← Older Post Newer Post →