Bronzeville
Links of Interest
Distance to Downtown Chicago
4 miles
Average Drive Times
13 minutes to Chicago Loop
32 minutes to O’Hare Airport
17 minutes to Midway Airport
The Chicago neighborhood of Bronzeville has a long and wonderful history beginning in 1779 with the migration of the first African American resident of Chicago, Jean Bapist Point DuSable.
The term “Bronzeville” originated within the community during the mid-30’s when the annual Mayor of Bronzeville election was celebrated, drawing on the African tradition of referring to skin color as “bronze”. The election which honored people who contributed to the community was a popular event through the late 40’s. The area still carries the name Bronzeville, partly to celebrate the achievements of the past but also as a way to look forward to a revitalized community.
Bronzeville was a vibrant community of jazz clubs, restaurants, cafes, churches and political activity. The area ranging from 26th Street south to 67th Street, west to the rock Island Line railroad tracks (where the Dan Ryan Expressway is now) and east to the Illinois Central railroad tracks still carries the name of Bronzeville.
Bronzeville is a neighborhood where the former Grand Terrace Ballroom on 35th Street hosted legends such as Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong. Writer Richard Wright lived here as did poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters kept local crowds entertained.
New construction and renovations are ongoing in Bronzeville. The Green Line “L” stops in the area have been refurbished, artistic benches have been installed along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and a map of historical sites has been cast in bronze and installed at 35th Street and King.
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