Illinois may soon return land the US stole from a Prairie Band Potawatomi chief 175 years ago

Illinois is poised to right a 175-year-old wrong by returning land in northern Illinois guaranteed to a Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation chief in 1829. Legislation expected to be approved later this year would transfer the Shabbona Area State Recreation Area in DeKalb County west of Chicago to the Kansas-based Prairie Band Potawatomi. The U.S. stole Chief Shab-eh-nay's land while he was visiting relatives in 1848. Under the legislation, the Potawatomi would control the state park and the state will provide maintenance. Nearby residents fear a casino or hotel will spoil their community. The tribe says it wants people to continue using the park as it is.