Six Mile Playlot Park
History
The Chicago Park District purchased the Six Mile Playlot Park site in 1973 to address the recreational needs of the under-served Austin community area. Although the much larger Columbus Park is only 3 1/2 blocks to the south, it is difficult for younger children to reach because they must cross two busy streets enroute. In 1998, the park district officially named the park for the Six Mile House, a 19th-century inn once located within blocks of the park property. Built in 1842 by John Pierson, the 2-story tavern sat along an old Indian trail (later Lake Street) and served travelers from nearby settlements to Chicago. In 1848, Six Mile House became a stop on the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad.