West Side, Chicago facts for kids

The West Side is one of the three main parts of Chicago, a big city in Illinois. It's located in Cook County. The other two parts are the North Side and the South Side. The West Side is super important because of its history, culture, and ideas that helped shape Chicago. On the official Chicago flag, the West Side is shown by the white stripe in the middle. Sometimes, people in the media or even some residents might think of the West Side as a place with lots of problems. But it's actually a vibrant area with a rich past and many cool things to explore!

Exploring Chicago's West Side

The West Side of Chicago covers a large area. It stretches from the downtown area towards the west. This part of the city has many different neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has its own unique feel and story.

A Look at History

The West Side has a long and interesting history. It played a big role in Chicago's growth. After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, many people moved to the West Side. They helped rebuild the city and create new communities.

Early Development

In the late 1800s, many immigrants came to Chicago. A lot of them settled on the West Side. They built homes, churches, and businesses. This made the West Side a very diverse place. Different cultures and traditions mixed together.

Hull House and Social Change

One famous place on the West Side was the Hull House. It was founded in 1889 by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr. Hull House was a "settlement house." It helped new immigrants and poor families. They offered classes, childcare, and health services. Jane Addams even won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work!

Transportation Growth

Getting around the West Side became easier with new transportation. In 1893, the Lake Street Elevated Railroad opened. This "L" train helped people travel quickly. It connected neighborhoods to downtown Chicago. Today, the "L" trains are still a big part of life on the West Side.

Famous Places to See

The West Side is home to many cool landmarks and attractions. From beautiful parks to important cultural centers, there's a lot to discover.

Garfield Park Conservatory

The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest conservatories in the United States. It's like a giant indoor garden. You can see thousands of plants from all over the world. It's a great place to visit any time of year.

National Hellenic Museum

In the Greektown neighborhood, you can find the National Hellenic Museum. This museum celebrates Greek history and culture. It has exhibits about ancient Greece and the lives of Greek immigrants in America.

Pilsen and Little Village

These neighborhoods are known for their strong Mexican-American culture. You can see amazing murals and colorful buildings. There are also many delicious restaurants and shops. It's a vibrant part of the West Side.

Humboldt Park and Paseo Boricua

Humboldt Park is a large park and a neighborhood. It's home to a big Puerto Rican community. Paseo Boricua is a special street here. It has two giant steel Puerto Rican flags. This area celebrates Puerto Rican heritage with music, food, and art.

People Who Made a Difference

Many important people have come from or worked on the West Side. They have helped shape Chicago and the country.

Community Leaders

Local politicians represent the West Side in government. For example, Chuy García represents a district that includes Humboldt Park and Pilsen. Danny K. Davis represents a district covering many West Side neighborhoods. These leaders work to improve their communities.

Education and Future Leaders

The West Side has excellent schools. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School is one of the top high schools in the city. It helps students prepare for college and bright futures. The Illinois Medical District is also on the West Side. It has important hospitals and universities like Rush University.

Images for kids

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  The Chicago River set the historical boundaries of the "sides" of the city.

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  Demographic makeup of Chicago as of 2010 U.S. Census.

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  Same demographic map as above, but with the West Side outlined in black.

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  View of Randolph Street after the Great Chicago Fire.

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  Jane Addams, one of the founders of the nationally acclaimed Hull House Settlement.

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  The Lake Street Elevated Railroad in its founding year, 1893.

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  Steel Puerto Rican flag at Division Street/Paseo Boricua and California Avenue in Humboldt Park.

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  The ABLA homes were completed by 1961 and demolished by 2004.

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  The Austin Town Hall on Lake Street between Parkside Avenue and Central Avenue.

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  Illinois Medical District Blue Line station near Malcolm X College and Rush University.

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  Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, one of the highest-performing high schools in the city and nation.

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  The Pulaski Blue Line station in West Garfield Park on the median of the Eisenhower Expressway.

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  Under the Pink Line tracks in the Pilsen neighborhood.

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  The National Hellenic Museum in Greektown.

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  Inside the Garfield Park Conservatory.

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  Representative Chuy García, 4th district (including Humboldt Park, Pilsen, and Little Village).

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  Representative Mike Quigley, 5th district (including West Town).

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  Representative Danny K. Davis, 7th district (including Near West Side, Garfield Park, Lawndale, Austin, Humboldt Park, and Cook County Jail).