West Side, Chicago facts for kids

The West Side is one of the three major sections of the city of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, along with the North Side and the South Side. The West Side consists of communities that are of historical, cultural, and ideological importance to the history and development of Chicago. On the municipal flag of Chicago, the West Side is represented by the central white stripe.

It is often seen by the media and residents as a largely poor, crime-ridden area of the city.

Images for kids

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  The Chicago River set the historical boundaries of the "sides" of the city.

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  Demographic makeup of Chicago as of 2010 U.S. Census.

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  Same demographic map as above, but with the West Side outlined in black.

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  View of Randolph Street after the Great Chicago Fire.

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  Jane Addams, one of the founders of the nationally acclaimed Hull House Settlement.

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  The Lake Street Elevated Railroad in its founding year, 1893.

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  Steel Puerto Rican flag at Division Street/Paseo Boricua and California Avenue in Humboldt Park.

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  The ABLA homes were completed by 1961 and demolished by 2004.

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  The Austin Town Hall on Lake Street between Parkside Avenue and Central Avenue.

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  Illinois Medical District Blue Line station near Malcolm X College and Rush University.

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  Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, one of the highest-performing high schools in the city and nation.

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  The Pulaski Blue Line station in West Garfield Park on the median of the Eisenhower Expressway.

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  Under the Pink Line tracks in the Pilsen neighborhood.

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  The National Hellenic Museum in Greektown.

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  Inside the Garfield Park Conservatory.

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  Representative Chuy García, 4th district (including Humboldt Park, Pilsen, and Little Village).

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  Representative Mike Quigley, 5th district (including West Town).

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  Representative Danny K. Davis, 7th district (including Near West Side, Garfield Park, Lawndale, Austin, Humboldt Park, and Cook County Jail).