The conception of Fort Sheridan began as a result of the Haymarket affair in May 1886. Chicagoans concerned with the outbreak of violence petitioned Congress to install a military base nearby to Chicago, if the need should arise. Marshall Field led the petition to reserve land for the military base; and 632 acres of land were reserved for Fort Sheridan. In 1894 troops from Fort Sheridan were sent into Chicago during the Pullman Strike. During World War I, Fort Sheridan became a Reserve Officers Training Center. After the war, the fort expanded its duties to treat patients during the 1918 influenza epidemic. During World War II, the fort was a Recruit Reception Center. The fort also served as administrative control headquarters for prisoners of war camps in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. Approximately 15,000 prisoners were placed under their responsibility. During the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, the fort continued as a reception and processing center for military personnel. In the early 1980s, a portion of Fort Sheridan was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. By the mid 1980s, the reduction of military personnel staff began and its function shifted to supervision of reserve activities around the Midwest. By the early 1990s, the Deptartment of Defense downsized: Fort Sheridan was among the first to be closed during the first round of military base closures. However, the Fort continued to support troops during Desert Storm and Desert Shield until it officially closed in 1993.
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This artificial collection, which appears to have been created by the Highland Park Historical Society, contains files related to the Fort Sheridan army base (active from 1887-1993) located in Fort Sheridan, Illinois. The files contain records regarding the history of Fort Sheridan, ceremonies and events held there, its redevelopment, visitor's guides and photographs documenting its history. It is arranged by topic.
Most of the files are in fair condition. Some of the older photographs (from the early 20th century) may be brittle and should be handled with care.
Please see accession logs.
Processed by Eve Mangurten
The Fort Sheridan museum collection is located at the United States Army War College Library: http://tinyurl.com/lhgp6qx . Records from the Fort can be found at the National Archives and Records Administration: www.nara.gov .
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Verso of photo reads W. Wittens (sic) Mann ; Axel Roberg ; workmen at Fort Sheridan. Maybe William Witten.
Arenberg family.
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Includes v33, no. 17, April 24, 1970 and Centennial edition, v62, no. 22, Friday, June 12, 1987 and newsletters published after closure by the Fort Sheridan Historic Preservation Society.
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Copies of drawings and plans for Fort Sheridan, in particular Field Officers building.
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Copies of drawings for repairs, chiefly dwelling units in Area 2.
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