The Neighborhood

Rogers Park is one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods. By 1856, Phillip Rogers had purchased much of the land which now bears his name. In 1878, the area was incorporated as the Village of Rogers Park and in 1893 the area was populous enough that it was annexed by the City of Chicago. If you’d like to learn more, check out The Encyclopedia of Chicago.

Or, dig this history of Rogers Park. from the Chicago Reader.

Originally, Edgewater was considered to be a part of Uptown. But in the 1970s, residents of the area convinced city officials to recognize it as a separate neighborhood. In the late 19th century, there were few residents in the area and most were Swedes, Germans and Irish. Now, there area is much more diverse and even boasts a mini-China town, with folks from Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Korea, India, Pakistan, Latin America, Greeks, Albanians and more. Once again, check out the Encyclopedia of Chicago

And if you’re still hungry for more local history check out the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society.