My name is Jack Rocha. I am a Chicago historian and received my Master of Urban Planning and Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
The following series of histories focuses on the Southeast Side of Chicago. In modern history the neighborhood has been known as an industrial community supported by the steel industry.
Many longtime residents consider the Southeast Side the forgotten part of the City of Chicago. The community is literally bypassed and segmented physically by rail, the Calumet River, and U.S. Interstate 90 (Chicago Skyway). Because of its 20th century history as a steel community the area has been the home for many working class movements focused on improving the quality of life of working class families.
The people that settled in the area came from many different countries and backgrounds. Some of the largest groups have included Polish, Serbian, Italians, German, Irish, and Mexicans. The Southeast Side was home to one of the earliest Mexican communities. In fact Our Lady of Guadalupe is the oldest Mexican Catholic Church in the City of Chicago.
Unfortunately, in 1992 the last mill at the largest steel site closed. With steel gone, the community has been looking for a new identity. Whatever that new identity may be it must be grounded in the history of the community.
These following histories will reflect on the past by focusing on two themes, culture and forgotten history. Culture will include the social, physical, and economic characteristics of the community. The second theme will include re-telling the stories of the Southeast Side.
History of Chicago's Southeast Side 