Old Town is a quaint neighborhood in Chicago. The community is a part of the 43rd Ward. The area dates back to the 1850’s when German immigrants settled in the community. In the 1960’s it gained fame as the center of the “hippie” culture.
The area known as Old Town Chicago was inhabited by several Nations including the Potawatomi, Miami, and Illinois. Once the Treaty of Chicago was signed, in 1833, most of the people were removed and the German immigrants began moving in.
Old Town Chicago
In this area of Chicago you will find many older, Victorian-era houses and other buildings. This is also home to St. Michael’s Church. It was first a Bavarian-built church. It is one of seven that survived the Great Chicago Fire. The “Hippies” made this the center of their culture in the Midwestern United Sates. This was mainly because the area, during this period, allowed for cheap rent for housing and storefronts. During the 1960’s and 1970’s Old Town Chicago became the center of folk music. Musicians such as Bonnie Koloc, Steve Goodman, John Prine, and others played at the clubs on Wells Street.
Following the assassination of Martin Luther King, followed by the riots, Old Town Chicago experienced some severe racial tension. This caused some segregation in the area which continued until the early 2000’s. During the new century a trend began which shifted toward a gentrification of the area – south of North Avenue.
Today Old Town Chicago offers a unique shopping adventure featuring mostly boutiques opposed to large chain stores. Most of the stores offer one-of-a-kind items for sale. Many restaurants serve the neighborhood. Many of them are unique to Chicago. The fare includes most any kind of food. Bars and clubs can be found throughout the area. The streets in the area are tree-lined and full of charm offering a variety of housing. The population of the area are generally affluent.
Old Town Chicago maintains the beauty, charm, and characteristics it has established through the years.
