Bourbon Spring Historic Site: Riverside's Liquid Legacy

Bourbon Spring Historic Site, nestled in Riverside, Illinois, offers a glimpse into the area's rich past. The site is marked by a monument commemorating significant events from the early 19th century. In July 1832, General Winfield Scott and his troops camped near the spring on their way to the Black Hawk War. A few years later, on June 7, 1834, the site played host to the election of Jean Baptiste Beaubien as the first Colonel of the Cook County Militia. Legend has it that the spring was named following this election when celebrants placed a bourbon barrel in the spring to keep it cool.In 1837, Daniel Webster, a famous orator and lawyer, reportedly visited the spring while traveling from St. Louis and was greeted by a delegation from Chicago. The Riverside Garden Club erected the monument in 1935 to preserve the spring's legacy. Today, visitors can explore the tranquil setting, reflect on the historical events, and appreciate the lush greenery surrounding the monument. The site provides a peaceful retreat and a connection to Riverside's vibrant heritage.The Bourbon Spring site can be accessed via a WPA-built 20-step stairway off the east side of Barrypoint Road. The limestone base of the monument has suffered some vandalism over the years, but still stands as a reminder of the area's unique history.