If only a photo could convey the sharp, evocative scent of burning brush in Willow Springs Woods (FPDCC.gov Region 6 - Palos Division) last week; a perfect fall day in the southwest suburbs.



Traveling a bit further west on Archer Avenue to the Red Gate Woods forest preserve area, we found this old mossy stone wall or foundation, partially buried under what could be a century or two of accumulated soil and undergrowth.



Who lived here in the woods along Illinois' most haunted highway? Early Polish or Irish immigrants who built the roads and canals along this ancient native American trail? We do know what's buried here today in Red Gate Woods: the remains of CP-1, the first sustained nuclear "reactor" built by Enrico Fermi at the University of Chicago.

Labels: chicago, history, nuclear, photo

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