Historical Stroll through Polish Downtown Settlement in Chicago

Polish Downtown Settlement in Chicago was the oldest Polish settlement and it was the political, social, and cultural spot for not only Polish immigrants but also for Polish Americans. It was located on the city’s near northwest and it shifted a few times over different waves of Polish immigration. Its boundaries once were established as follows East – Racine Avenue, North – Fullerton Avenue, West – Kedzie Avenue, and South – Grand Avenue. Various Chicago neighborhoods were once part of Polish Downtown: Pulaski Park, River West, Bucktown, Wicker Park, East Village and Noble Square. In 1898, the heart of Polish Downtown was Polish Triangle which had 99.9 % of Polish with only 1% of non-Poles. It was a very ethnic community offering shops, restaurants, and banks where Polish people used their own native language to communicate. Division Street was referred to once as Polish Broadway. This changed radically on the completion of Kennedy Highway in 1960. The construction made lots of Polish residents move away, especially to the suburbs that offered newer housing. Lots of older buildings were abounded and deteriorated. Polish downtown today is very cosmopolitan and diverse, and hardly any Polish but there are a few Polish institutions that are still there. So on this stroll; I will take you to the Polish legacy around the Polish Triangle. The first 7 stops are a walking tour so you can park your car near The Polish Museum of America as we come back to it. Stop 8 and 9 are bonus stops to get you familiar with Polish food. You can stop at both or one of them and to get to each, you will need to drive. I hope you have lots of fun! Photo credit: Flicker / Eric Pancer