The Story of Old Fort Dearborn

"The Story of Old Fort Dearborn" by J. Seymour Currey, is a historical narrative that explores the establishment and demise of Fort Dearborn in Chicago, zeroing in on the era spanning from its founding to its destruction in 1812. It paints a picture of life at the fort—the trials, tribulations, and clashes with Native American tribes—all framed by the bigger historical setting of the early American frontier. The story starts by highlighting the historical importance of Fort Dearborn, connecting its beginnings to the exploration of the Chicago River by French explorers Joliet and Marquette; it then moves on to describe the setting up of the fort in 1803, the many interactions with local Native American communities, and the rising tensions that came before the War of 1812. It's a snapshot of a community on the edge, grappling with its fate during a volatile chapter in American history.