The image above (from the collection of the Library of Congress) shows a special patrolling train in Blue Island during the great railroad strike of 1894. Company C of the 15th U.S. Infantry (also in the picture) arrived in Blue Island during the morning hours of July 4th to quell the actions of railroad workers, […]
Category Archives: Blue Island History
29
Jan
Jan
Thank you to Ken Jellema for his research assistance on this article. In the 141 years since our headquarters, the Albee House, was built, it’s only changed hands 3 times – a fact that’s pretty remarkable for a structure of that age. Though it’s come to be known as the Harry & Myrtle Albee house, […]
04
Dec
Dec
The Construction of the Rock Island and Chicago rail line from Blue Island to Joliet was completed in 1852, quickly transforming Blue Island from a stop along the Vincennes Trail to a major hub of rail and trade. This October 13, 1852 article from the Chicago Daily Democrat (now the Chicago Tribune) tells the story […]
14
Nov
Nov
Before the Illinois tribe was driven to Starved Rock where they were almost completely wiped out, there are stories of a great battle that took place in Blue Island along the Calumet River, where the Illinois made a determined effort to fight off their attackers – a group of tribes that included the Ottawa, Pottawatomi, […]