Our Land. Our History. Our Name.   

We are named after the dwarfed black oaks, an endangered species that thrives in the remnants of the once vast black oaks savanna. This unique area, formed by retreating glaciers during the last ice age, serves as a transition zone between forests and prairies.

 

The sand dunes and ridges created by the proverbial west winds now provide a habitat for various rare and endangered plants and animals. Alongside the dwarfed black oaks, the savanna is home to 22 other rare plant species, including the endangered orange fringed orchids and yellow false indigo. Additionally, you can find the western glass lizard, race runner, and plains pocket gopher here.

 

The residents of Pembroke Township/Hopkins Park have been the dedicated stewards of what is now known as the

Kankakee Sands, one of the most cherished ecosystems in Illinois. This tradition of stewardship dates back to the indigenous people, the Potawatomi, who carefully maintained the savanna through controlled burns.

Hopkins Park, located in Pembroke Township, holds a significant place in history as one of the oldest black rural townships. Its founding dates back to before the Emancipation Proclamation by a courageous runaway slave named Pap Tetter. In 1861, Tetter and his family of 18 children escaped from North Carolina and settled on 42 acres of land, known today as Old Hopkins Park. This became a safe haven not only for runaway slaves but also for the Potawatomi people who chose not to go to reservations.

 

Hopkins Park played a vital role in the underground railroad as a terminal, offering refuge to those seeking liberation. Over time, it became a diverse community, attracting indigenous people and migrants alike. In fact, during the northern migration, Pembroke became the largest black farming community north of the Mason Dixon Line. During World War II, these farmers answered the nation's call for hemp production, making Pembroke the third largest hemp producer in the country.

 

The name "Pembroke" has Welsh origins, meaning "aqueduct." It held strategic importance as a trading route connecting Fort Dearborn in Chicago to Vincennes, Indiana.

Pembroke was renowned as a favored area for hunting due to its abundant wildlife. It is said that even celebrities and presidents would visit for this purpose.

 

While Pembroke has often been labeled as one of the poorest areas in the nation, it is undeniably rich in history, heritage, and generations of individuals dedicated to caring for the land!