City Of Chicago: The History Of Chicago’s 27th Ward
The 27th Ward is located on the west side of the City of Chicago. The town of Chicago was first established in 1833 with a population of about 200. The town quickly grew to more than 4,000 people within its first decade. Because of the explosive growth, the City of Chicago incorporated in 1837. The Great Chicago Fire that destroyed a third of the City of Chicago in 1871 sparked a fast growth and rebuilding period. By 1923, the City of Chicago had grown so much that the government divided the city into fifty Aldermanic wards each represented on the city council. The number of Wards in the City of Chicago now stands at 50 and the boundaries are redistricted every ten years.
History Of Chicago’s 27th Ward
Chicago’s 27th Ward covers the East Garfield Park area of the City of Chicago. The 27th Ward was originally annexed to the City of Chicago in 1869; however, it took about 25 years before the area became densely populated. Landscaping and development of the park began in 1905. The lack of attention to Chicago’s 27th Ward from the City of Chicago early on continued into the 20th century. The population grew rapidly to a high in 1950 of 70,091. The 27th Ward became home to multiple projects from the City of Chicago Housing Authority. However, repair requests and issues were ignored by the absentee landlords. These problems were not dealt with until the establishment of anti-slum organizations in 1966.
In 2007, Chicago’s 27th Ward was recognized as one of the most ‘up and coming neighborhoods’ in the United States. As with most of the United States, however, economic issues have slowed the growth of Chicago’s 27th Ward. In 2000, the population of the 27th Ward was nearly 21,000 within the ~2 square miles the district covers.
Other Information About Chicago’s 27th Ward
About a fifth of Chicago’s 27th Ward comprises Garfield Park, which is managed by the City of Chicago Park District. The park is located in the northwest part of Chicago’s 27th Ward. The Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest conservatories in the United States, finds its home in Chicago’s 27th Ward. Visitors to the East Garfield Park area can arrive easily through public transportation. The City of Chicago Transit Authority’s Blue Line and Green Line both service the area. The CTA’s bus service is also well represented in Chicago’s 27th Ward.
The Committee for Change is focused on putting Chicago’s 27th Ward back on the right track. To be a part of change in the City of Chicago’s East Garfield Park area, sign up to receive email updates at the top of the page or learn how you can help by volunteering.
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