In 1926 an article in the Chicago Tribune noted the dedication of as section of Palos Park Forest Preserves, one of the Cook County Illinois preserve areas, was to be named ‘Forges Woods’ in honor of that WWI battle and the 33rd Division’s 132nd Infantry’s participation.
The Cook County Forest Preserve provided documents with details of the events. A portion of the Forest Preserve was named Forges Woods, and a log cabin and other buildings were built and donated to the American Legion, Forges Woods Post. The buildings burned at an unknown date or dates. Over time the name of the Forges Woods area ceased to be used.
The area is now known as Maple Lake Woods, and is an unofficial name. It’s proper name is Maple Hill Woods. The area had an abundance of sugar maples. A dam was built in 1924 and was a popular venue used by the public. The resolution included the following:
Included as part of the resolution were the following:
The 132nd Infantry, in a brilliant assault, drove back the enemy, captured Forges Wood and the town of Forges and reached its objective at the designated moment having inflicted many casualties on the enemy, captured 800 prisoners and many valuable stores of military equipment.
To commemorate the deeds of valor and accomplishments of the 132nd Infantry, and particularly to preserve the name of Forges Wood where the sons of Illinois gave their lives for the glory and honor of their flag, the following Resolution is presented:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserves of Cook County do hereby allocate that part of the Palos preserve at 95th Street and Lake and contiguous to the farmhouse, as a memorial to the 132nd Infantry, 33rd Division U.S.A., A.E.F., and directs that said plot be known as Forges Wood as a perpetual reminder of the gallantry and prowess of that regiment.
The Forest Preserve District built a cabin and Chalet for use of veterans who served in France with the A.E.F. during World War I and were members of the Forges Woods American Legion Post.
Speeches were made at the dedication of the newly named Forges Woods preserve and cabins. One was by the Commander of the 132nd Infantry, Colonel Abel Davis. His speech and others were entered into the Proceeding of the Cook County Forest Preserve and are linked below.
Speeches <Link to 7 MB PDF> Cook Cty Forest Preserve Volume_1926
Sources: Used by Permission
1. Origin of Names & Histories of Places. Including Major Forests and Holdings, Picnic Areas and Recreational Facilities, Nature Preserves, Aquatic Areas and Wildlife Refuges in the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Illinois By Roberts Mann, Compiled 1964-65
2. 1925 Proceedings of the Board of Forest Preserve Commissioners, Volume, Page 188
3. 1926 Proceedings of the Board of Forest Preserve Commissioners, Volume, Pages 252-254