Chicago and the Old Northwest, 1673-1835 A study of the evolution of the northwestern frontier, together with a history of Fort Dearborn

"Chicago and the Old Northwest, 1673-1835" by Milo Milton Quaife is a recounting of history that explores the transformation of the Northwestern frontier through the lens of Chicago's early years. Beginning with the geographical features that defined the region, the book illustrates the vital role of the Chicago Portage as a link connecting the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, a crucial passage for fur traders and explorers that paved the way for the city's future. Quaife looks at the challenges and changes in the Des Plaines River and how they complicated travel for those who pioneered the area. This sets the scene for understanding Chicago's growth and its importance in the larger context of the developing Northwest.