Right next to the Des Plaines River on Lake Street in Maywood is a McDonald’s. You might not think twice about something so ubiquitous, but it is worth a stop. Why, you might ask? Well, if you appreciate history like I do, there is a memorial, dedicated in December of 2000, in the parking lot that recognizes what once stood here. The “10 Mile House” was a stagecoach rest stop that was secretly part of the Underground Railroad. Runaway slaves, who usually traveled at night, would stay in the building’s hidden rooms during the day, while families with small children or babies would conceal themselves along the riverbank. Its name originated from the stagecoach stop being 10 miles, equivalent to a day’s journey, from the city of Chicago. Nobody knows when the inn was originally constructed but it was demolished in 1927. On the plaque memorializing the site is a quote from Harriet Tubman:
Thank you for the interesting history of Maywood and Oak Park. Progress regarding racism thankfully has been made since then but more is needed. Knowing past history is certainly part of the progress.
Thank you for the interesting history of Maywood and Oak Park. Progress regarding racism thankfully has been made since then but more is needed. Knowing past history is certainly part of the progress.
Thank you for sharing this important and moving story. I’m looking forward to more. So much tragedy, will, and strength at the same time.
Excellent. As a Chicagoan, I loved reading about this piece of Black History.