Fort Sheridan

Book excerpt: Amid Chicagos North Shore communities is a national landmarkthe former U.S. Army Base at Fort Sheridan (1887-1993). Fort Sheridan was created out of the civil and labor unrest following the Chicago Fire of 1871, the great Railway Strike of 1877, and the Haymarket Riot of 1886. These events produced an atmosphere of insecurity, prompting Chicagos wealthiest businessmenNorth Shore residents and members of the Commercial Club of Chicagoto levy their influence with the federal government in establishing an army presence in their backyards. Fort Sheridan is a place rich in the traditions of the U.S. cavalry and artillery, of training camps, and the Womens Army Corps. This illustrated history explores the many aspects of Fort Sheridan and takes the reader on a journey through military life.