Chatham, Chicago

Chatham, Chicago
Name	Chatham
Location	South Side, Chicago
Coordinates	41.75, -87.6167

Chatham, Chicago is a neighborhood located on the South Side, Chicago, bounded by Cottage Grove Avenue to the east, Lake Shore Drive to the northeast, East 79th Street to the south, and East 87th Street to the west, near Jackson Park and the University of Chicago. The neighborhood is known for its strong sense of community, with many residents being members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and the Church of God in Christ. Chatham is also home to the Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, which is one of the top-ranked high schools in the city, and is named after the civil rights leader Whitney Young. The neighborhood is represented by Alderman Roderick Sawyer of the 6th ward, Chicago City Council and is part of the 1st congressional district of Illinois, represented by Bobby Rush.

Geography

Chatham is situated near the shores of Lake Michigan, with Jackson Park and the Lake Shore Drive providing scenic views and recreational opportunities. The neighborhood is also close to the Dan Ryan Expressway and the Chicago Skyway, making it easily accessible by car. Chatham is bordered by the neighborhoods of Avalon Park, Chicago to the north, Burnside, Chicago to the south, and West Chatham, Chicago to the west. The neighborhood is also near the Pullman National Monument, a historic district that was once home to the Pullman Company and is now a popular tourist destination. Chatham residents can also visit the nearby DuSable Museum of African American History, which is located in Washington Park, Chicago and is one of the oldest and largest African American museums in the country.

History

The history of Chatham dates back to the late 19th century, when the area was first settled by Irish American and German American immigrants. The neighborhood was named after the town of Chatham, Ontario, and was initially a rural area with many farms and orchards. During the Great Migration (African American), many African Americans moved to Chatham from the Southern United States, and the neighborhood became a major center of African American culture in Chicago. Chatham was also home to many notable figures, including the Civil Rights Movement leader Jesse Jackson, who grew up in the neighborhood and attended DuSable High School. The neighborhood was also a hub for Jazz music, with many famous musicians such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie performing at local venues like the Regal Theater.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Chatham was approximately 30,000 people, with a diverse mix of African American, White American, and Hispanic and Latino American residents. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community, with many residents being members of local organizations such as the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council and the Greater Chatham Initiative. Chatham is also home to many places of worship, including the St. Columbanus Catholic Church, the Chatham United Methodist Church, and the Liberty Baptist Church. The neighborhood is represented by State Representative Mary E. Flowers of the 31st district of the Illinois House of Representatives and State Senator Jacqueline Y. Collins of the 16th district of the Illinois Senate.

Economy

The economy of Chatham is driven by a mix of small businesses, retail shops, and restaurants, with many local entrepreneurs owning and operating their own stores and eateries. The neighborhood is also home to several major employers, including the University of Chicago Medical Center, the Chicago Public Schools, and the City of Chicago. Chatham is also a hub for African American-owned businesses, with many companies like the Chicago Defender and the Johnson Publishing Company being based in the neighborhood. The neighborhood is also close to the Pullman National Monument, which is a major tourist destination and provides many job opportunities for local residents.

Education

Chatham is served by the Chicago Public Schools system, with several schools located in the neighborhood, including the Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, the Brooks College Prep, and the Carter G. Woodson South Elementary School. The neighborhood is also home to several private schools, including the St. Columbanus Catholic School and the Chatham Christian School. Chatham residents can also attend nearby colleges and universities, such as the University of Chicago, Chicago State University, and the Kennedy-King College. The neighborhood is also close to the DuSable Museum of African American History, which offers many educational programs and resources for local students.

Transportation

Chatham is easily accessible by car, with several major highways and roads passing through the neighborhood, including the Dan Ryan Expressway and the Chicago Skyway. The neighborhood is also served by several Chicago Transit Authority bus routes, including the #14 Jeffery Express and the #67 67th-69th-71st. Chatham residents can also use the nearby Metra Electric Line train station, which provides service to downtown Chicago and other surrounding suburbs. The neighborhood is also close to the Chicago Midway International Airport, which offers many domestic and international flights. Chatham is also a short drive from the Indiana Toll Road and the Illinois Tollway, making it easily accessible from surrounding cities like Gary, Indiana and Hammond, Indiana.

Category:Neighborhoods in Chicago