Rogers Park Neighborhood In Chicago, Illinois

Rogers Park is one of the most culturally diverse and heavily populated areas in all of Chicago, Illinois. In the late 1830's and until his death, Phillip Rogers bought approximately 1,600 acres of land from the US Government. Part of this land now forms the Rogers Park neighborhood in Chicago. In 1872, Patrick Touhy, Phillip Roger's son-in-law, divided portions of land that are now presently Lunt and Ridge Avenues. The village had enough settlers to be able to incorporate into Rogers Park, by 1878. Residents continued to pile into the neighborhood and growth continued at a steady rate, the village was annexed to Chicago in 1893.

The famous "L'' train finds it roots in Chicago, since it first began operating in 1892. The name "L'' train is indigenous to Chicago, it was used by everyone to describe the elevated railroad companies. In 1915, the area of land located to the north of Howard Street, east of the "L'' tracks, and south of Calvary Cemetery, brought Rogers Park a new northern boundary. Railway connections dating back to the 1860's, run between Rogers Park and Chicago. Chicago & Northwestern Railways, along with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway ran residents to downtown Chicago. With the additional opening of Howard Station in 1908, the population continued to soar. Bringing with it a mix of all races and ethnicities.

Single-house units slowed down in production as it gave way to multi-unit apartment buildings took over, construction of apartments took over every piece of available land. Newer construction in the neighborhood since the 60's has consisted of mid-sized apartment buildings and town homes. Clustered along the main streets are various businesses, entertainment spots, and religious institutions. In the 1980's, the entertainment industry became a very important addition to this neighborhood.

The Rogers Park neighborhood has many beaches due to sharing a border on Lake Michigan. East Rogers Park is also home to the prestigious Loyola University's Lake Shore Campus. West Rogers Park is offers affordable housing, fine dining, shopping and continues to be an area filled with rich culture and a diverse community.