Possible cannonball found near Fort Sheridan

Highland Park authorities responded on Sunday morning to a resident’s report of military artillery in the woods of Fort Sheridan near Davis Street, according to a message from the City of Highland Park.

The City says the object — which “appeared to be a cannonball or similar ordnance” — was located between two rocks and a bomb squad out of Waukegan was on scene to determine the appropriate response.

Residents are asked to avoid the area.

The recovery efforts are taking place in the Lake County Forest Preserve property, and the preserve’s police department is leading the investigation, according to Highland Park.

The City’s message also urged residents to always report such findings: “Many thanks to the resident who reported this object. If you see something along the trails that may be potential old military ordnance or that looks out of place, please do not approach, touch, or attempt to remove the object. Please contact police at 911 so that it may be properly investigated.”

The land surrounding the Fort Sheridan base was for years used in military exercises. Old military artillery, such as grenades and cannonballs, have recently been discovered in the woods and even in the water.

The nearby Openlands Lakeshore Preserve closed in April 2021 after three explosive devices were found. The devices reportedly were professionally disposed of.

Multiple agencies — including the City of Highland Park, Openlands and the U.S. Navy — were involved in returning public access to the site by 2023.

A site report from Tetra Tech, a group hired by the Naval station, released in March 2023 found that further threat of finding ammunitions is unlikely; however, in October 2023, such a device reportedly washed ashore.

Areas near Fort Sheridan that may contain such devices — particularly in the vicinity of the Henry T. Chandler Jr. Bridge — are marked by signage and should be avoided, the City says.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.