A Black History Celebration

Discover a journey to freedom that runs through the Chicago Southland

From the 1830s until the Civil War, many people and families escaping slavery in southern states came right through the south suburban Chicago area. These freedom seekers traveled overland to the then-small city of Chicago. From there, they headed south, using a ferry and later a bridge to cross the Little Calumet River near present-day Indiana Avenue. Their journey continued through northern Indiana, Detroit and ultimately, they crossed to Canada.