Chinatown
By Hiral, Thérèse, Shivani, and Jamie
Location
Location
-Chinatown is
located on the
south-side of
Chicago centered
on Cermak and
Wentworth
Avenues
History
History of Chinatown
The chinatown in Chicago is the “second oldest settlement of Chinese in
America after the Chinese fled persecution in California” (Wikipedia).
Many Chinese immigrants came over to Chicago to escape the anti-Chinese
violence that broke out in the West Coast, but the first immigrants came to
Chicago when they finished the Transcontinental railroad which was the main
reason for them being here.
In 1889, Chinatown first started out as 16 small businesses over a two-block
stretch along Clark Street, but then in 1912 they moved to Armour Square.
History of Chinatown (continued…)
A bunch of Chinese leaders then bought about 50 10 year leases through an
intermediary due to discrimination.
They wanted to add some of their culture to their area, but had no Chinese
architectures, so they Christan S. Michaelsen and Sigurd A. Rognstad. They
built the On Leong Merchants Association Building in 1928, and was
considered the finest china in northerns North America at the time.
Soon more Chinese immigrant bought more land and began to settle down and
form there shops, restaurants, and homes into what we call New Chinatown.
Demographics
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●
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●
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First settled: 1912
Population Estimate: 16,325
Median Age- 40 years
Median household income: $35,140
Average Home Price: $290,000
Landmarks
Nine Dragon Gate
We took our photo in
front of the Nine Dragon
Gate. This gate, located
just outside the “L” stop,
is supposed to bring
passerby strength and
good fortune!
Chinatown Square
In the center of this
retail and
merchandise center,
completed in 1993,
there is a Pan Asian
Cultural Center that is
surrounded by the
twelve zodiac figures.
Ping Tom Memorial
Park
This park along the south
branch of the Chicago
River was dedicated to
honor Ping Tom, a great
civic leader of Chinatown.
The layout of the park is
mirrored after a traditional
Chinese walled garden.
The View
Coming right out of
the “L” stop, the
view of the sunset
can be seen
overlapping the
town beautifully.
Personal Reflections
Thérè
se
My experience in Chinatown was not what I
had expected. Before going, I had thought
the area would be full of people and a bit of
a headache to navigate, but when I arrived,
the whole experience was really relaxing and
the people were very friendly.
Hiral
Chinatown was really fun. I
thought it had a lot of history
behind it, and it felt good to be a
part of it for a little while.
Jamie
Chinatown's neighborhood is a wonderful place
to explore because of its unique culture. Coming
to this neighborhood was fun for being able to
sightsee their historical landmarks.
Shivani
It was a great experience getting to know the
cultural atmosphere of Chinatown. There were
lots of interesting landmarks and things to see.
Group Reflection
Group
Reflection!
This experience really gave us the chance to
explore Chicago and get us off campus!
Although it felt kind of touristy, it was a great
experience!
Work Cited:
"Chinatown, Chicago." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2015.
“Chinatown, Chicago”. Chicago Chinatown, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2015.
"Chinatown Subdivision, Chicago, IL - Lifestyle and Demographics - Realtor.com®." Realtor.com. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.
Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.