The Indian Boundary Line runs along Rogers Avenue on the Far Northwest Side and resulted from the U.S. Treaty of Saint Louis. The 1816 treaty, which several Native-American tribes signed, ceded a 20-mile corridor of land to the United States, and it was intended to provide safe passage to those traveling from Chicago to the Illinois River. The land north of the Indian Boundary Line remained a Native-American reserve for several more decades, while the city’s development grew south of the line.

Cultural tours along the neighborhood streets of Jefferson Park, Forest Glen and Sauganash, were guided by Good City Group team members. Urban planner and urban design advisor with the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning, Benet Haller, led the Jefferson Park tour. Architect and faculty member at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Odile Compagnon, led the tours of Forest Glen and Sauganash.

Our WALK THE LINE event drew a number of cultural history enthusiasts, many of whom are long-time residents of these neighborhoods. Along the walks, several contributed their knowledge of local history and memories of earlier eras and community landmarks. We were also thrilled that Alderman Laurino joined us for the cultural walk in Sauganash.

This well preserved residential area is a city treasure of architectural history from 1920-1950, and designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Good City group acknowledges that Chicago is located on the traditional unceded homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. Many other tribes such as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, and Fox also called this area home. The region has long been a center for Indigenous people to gather, trade, and maintain kinship ties. Today, Chicago is one of the largest urban American Indian communities in the United States. We pay respect to the Council of the Three Fires nations, past and present, and honor the land itself which remains sacred.

We embrace our commitment to Indigenous rights, racial justice, and cultural equity.