Morgan Park was settled in the mid-19th century. Thomas Morgan, who had immigrated from England, bought and cleared land in 1844, becoming the most extensive landowner, and operated land for the next two decades. In 1869, a real estate company bought 3,000 acres from the Morgan family and developed and subdivided the area, planting trees and constructing houses for buyers who wanted a less congested suburban community.
Influenced by the president and treasurer of the Blue Island Land and Building Company a railroad line was built to serve the community. They also donated land and financed the construction of schools and churches. The neighborhood grew and was incorporated into Chicago in 1911.
Many of the buildings in the neighborhood were designed by notable architects, including Dwight Perkins, Dankmar Adler, Murray Hetherington, John Hetherington, Palliser, Palliser & Co., Normand S. Patton and Harry H. Waterman.
The Beverly Arts Center is also found in this area, with Beverly laying just to the north.
There are several landmarks and historic sites in the neighborhood, which include the George C. Walker Library, completed in 1890, and the home of Rotary International founder Paul P. Harris.
The Metra and I-57 service the area and split the neighborhood down the middle.
