of land, 1600 acres, was
             passed on to his daughter Catherine, and her husband Captain Patrick Touhy. They were
             responsible for establishing and developing some of the first churches in the area. Captain
             Touhy collaborated with other settlers and eventually formed the Rogers Park Building
             and Land Company in 1873. It was also during this time that the Chicago and
             Northwestern Railroad established their presence in the area. The railroad facilitated easier
             access and transportation in and out of the community for the local residents.
             In 1878 Rogers Park was incorporated as a village with the natural boundaries
             west of Lake Michigan extending to the ridge of Ridge Avenue. When combined with the
             boundaries of Rogers and Devon Avenues, the area now recognized as Rogers Park
             became clearly defined. Clark Street, originally known as Green Bay Road, was an
             important Indian trail. It later served as the main link between Fort Dearborn in Chicago,
             and Fort Howard in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
             The early 1900's were rapidly developing two story family homes in the eastern
             portion of Rogers Park. It was at this time that annexation to Chicago was greatly
             welcomed by the local residents. Also, the residents of Rogers Park demanded that a park
             district be developed in their community at this time. Today Rogers Park has some
             thirteen public parks to its credit, as well as six field houses, which provides numerous
             extracurricular activities for both children and adults throughout the year.
             As the population continued to grow, from a mere 3500 in 1893 to 7500 in 1904,
             there was yet another major development. The Jesuits purchased a twenty-acre space
             along Lake Michigan and developed what is recognized today as the Loyola University
             Campus. The arrival of Loyola University helped to ensure the community's growth in
             providing a place for a higher education as well as the opportunity for employment.
             Thr...