West Englewood, Chicago

at , Chicago , part of 60636 United States

1. Neighborhood

Description

West Englewood, one of the 77 community areas, is on the southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. At one time it was known as South Lynne. The boundaries of West Englewood are Garfield Blvd to the north, Racine Ave to the east, the CSX and Norfolk Southern RR tracks to the west, and the Belt Railway of Chicago to the south. Though it is a separate community area, much of the history and culture of the neighborhood is linked directly to the Englewood neighborhood.Early historyThe first European settlers to the area that developed as West Englewood were predominantly German and Swedish farmers who arrived in the 1840s. After construction of rail lines for the Rock Island and Wabash Railroads, the area became known as Chicago Junction, which soon changed to Junction Grove. (This is commemorated today with the Junction Grove Playlot Park, which is maintained by the Chicago Park District) By 1865, Junction Grove became the unincorporated town of Lake, which was later renamed Englewood.Two events led to population increases for the Englewood and West Englewood neighorhoods. In 1871 the Great Chicago Fire destroyed many neighborhoods to the north. The combination of open spaces for housing and the presence of railroad lines made these neighborhoods ideal for Chicagoans looking for less crowding and moving from the urban center destroyed in the fire. In 1889 the neighborhoods of Englewood and West Englewood became part of the City of Chicago after the town of Lake was annexed by the city.With annexation came Chicago street cars, the second factor to encourage development. In 1903 the Englewood Elevated Railway Company built a branch running roughly along 63rd Street to Loomis, which was connected to the South Side Elevated Railroad. These improvements in transportation made the Englewood area an easy commute for workers traveling north to the stockyards, a major employer, and downtown.

Company Rating

177 FB users likes West Englewood, Chicago, set it to 26 position in Likes Rating for Chicago, Illinois in Neighborhood category

Summary

West Englewood, Chicago is Chicago based place and this enity listed in Neighborhood category. part of 60636.