Greater Grand Crossing traces its name from an 1853 right-of-way feud between the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway and the Illinois Central Railroad that led to a frog war and a crash that killed 18 people as a result of intersecting tracks.
Frog wars are when there are two intersecting railways; typically the 2nd to lay the tracks bears the brunt of the cost to any equipment or tools needed to join the tracks.
Due to the lack of saftey, many of the railcars had to make complete stops in the area, leading to development of the surrounding area. Real estate developer Paul Cornell bought land in the area and offered them for sale.
The World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 spurred further immigration, and growth continued into the 20th century.
The CTA’s Red Line as well as the Metra service the area.
