The Ridge Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1971 to preserve and promote the history of the Chicago neighborhoods of Beverly Hills, Morgan Park and Washington Heights.

The area now has four recognized municipal and national historic districts, including the Ridge Historic District, one of the largest urban districts on the National Register of Historic Places

• Longwood Drive District
• Walter Burley Griffin Place
• Rock Island Train Station District

How the Civil War Changed America

Sunday, November 6 ·  2 - 4 pm

Mt. Greenwood Cemetery Chapel and Grounds, 2900 W. 111th St., Chicago, IL

By popular demand, Wayne L. Wolf, Ed. D., will return to RHS and Mt. Greenwood Cemetery for a program commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the U. S. Civil War. Dr. Wolf, a professor at South Suburban College in South Holland, is a published author and is active in Civil War Roundtables and re-enactments. His program “How the Civil War Changed America” will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011, from 2 to 4 PM at the... Mt. Greenwood Cemetery Chapel, 2900 W. 111th St. The program will be followed by a self-guided walking tour of Civil War burials at the Cemetery. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free but donations to RHS will be appreciated. 

The Civil War is one of the most central events in U.S. history. A Harris Poll reported in March 2011 suggested that Americans are still uniquely divided over the results and appropriate memorials to acknowledge the occasion. Many issues were involved - slavery, states’ rights, nationalism, tariffs, honor, secession, balance of power, expansion into new territories. The war produced more than a million casualties including some 620,000 soldier deaths, and destroyed much of the wealth that had existed in the South. The causes of the war, the reasons for its outcome, and even the name of the war itself are subjects of lingering contention today. 

Mt. Greenwood Cemetery has approximately 200 Civil War veteran graves. One of the most prominent is a remarkable zinc (white bronze) monument dedicated to James W. Brockway, 29th USC Infantry. Brockway served from 1862 – 1865, ending his career as Captain. After the War, he lived in Morgan Park until his death in 1894. His is one of many graves to be viewed on the self-guided tour.

Before and After: How Buildings Change Over Time
The majority of "before" pictures are photocopies of postcards that are part of a collection at the Chicago Historical Society. The "after" photographs are part of a long-term project to document the architecture of the community. Take a look and see if your house is in this photo album.

The 111th St. Train Station Rehabilitation
Take a look at the project from start to finish in this photo review.

Architectural Resource Center
Start the process of researching your home's history on our website and learn where to find additional resources.

Street Cars of Beverly Hills/Morgan Park
A short photo essay of the long-gone era of streetcars in our neighborhood.

The Vincennes Trail
The development of what was once an Indian trail into a pioneer "superhighway".

RHS Photo Album
Take a nostalgic tour of our community's history with our photo album. Visit the people and places from our past. To view the photo album requires Macromedia Flash 6 Player. For a free download, please select Download Flash 6 player to view . Follow the instructions on the Macromedia website.

Local Legend Debunked
Was Beverly Hills, California named after Beverly Hills in Chicago?

Ice & Water: Chicago Before Our Time
Geological history of the Ridge area.

Local Indian Lore
Indian prehistory of the area.

Morgan Family Initiatives Launched Community
A look at the influence of a pioneer family.

Illinois and the Glaciers
A brief synopsis of glacial activity in Illinois that is part of the underpinning of the Ridge geography.

Glacial Debris
How glaciers created "moraines".

Beverly Hills/Morgan Park Architecture
A compendium of articles on local architecture by Harold T. Wolff.