2016 Friends of the Chicago Portage Lecture Series “The Roads That Led To Chicago”

The location of Chicago begins appearing on European maps in the late 17th Century. French and other European explorers, traders and missionaries found their way to Chicago by using transcontinental water trails.

Lifelong paddler and regional Water Trail planner Gary Mechanic takes you on several historic canoe trips. Paddle along with 17th Century French explorers Jean Nicollet, Joliet and Marquette, LaSalle, and 18th Century English and American travelers as they find their way to Chicago.

The theme of the 2016 Friends of the Chicago Portage Lecture Series “The Roads That Led To Chicago” will explore the creation and development of the pathways, watertrails and roads used by Native American’s, Europeans and Americans to travel to and link Chicago with the region, nation, and world.

All presentations are at the Burr Ridge Park District Community Center, 15W400 Harvester Drive in Burr Ridge, IL.

All presentations will begin at 1pm and will end before 3pm. Reservations for individuals are not required. Groups should RSVP by calling Jeff at 312-771-6855.

All lectures are free and open to the public. Donations and sponsorships to support this series are gratefully accepted.