Rebecca Dixon, Class of 2003, recently sent River Cruise docents a link to a intriguing Atlas Obscura post about Chicago’s name. Could it be that Chicago isn’t named for a wild onion – but for a skunk? Read the article and learn about the possible name connection, and lots more about skunks and their Chicago ties, historically and in the present day.
CLICK HERE. for the article – and draw your own conclusions.
The editors.
Nice article…thanks. The Chicago Wilderness Coalition used the nodding wild onion plant in its logo (they have since simplified it by removing the plant) so I am going with that as the origin of the city name of Chicago!! In fact, I planted a bunch of those plants in my rain garden so my heart says that the city was named for the stinking wild onion although I can totally see how the skunk could be its origin as well!! John Perrecone, Education Guide 2019.