Chicago Lawn became a city in 1871 and was incorporated into Chicago in 1889, though it remained mostly rural until 1920, when settlement accelerated. The area is frequently referred to as Marquette Park, the large park near the southwest part of the neighborhood.
In the 1920s, residents relocated from other parts of Chicago such as Back of the Yards and Englewood.
Located at near the center of the neighborhood is Marquette Park, which residents use to refer to area instead of “Chicago Lawn.” It is the largest neighborhood parks by the South Park Commission. The park has a remnant of the original Ashburn prairie, which included much of Chicago before it was settled. This used to be in Evergreen Cemetery, but was moved here in 1993 to protect if from the threat of land redevelopment.
The Lithuanian community has maintained a notable presence in the area by establishing a network of institutions that earned their community the label as the Lithuanian Gold Coast and have formed some of the richest savings and loans in the city. Lithuanian Plaza is located just east of the park. The Lithuanian Song festival was previously held at the now demolished International Amphitheater, near the Stockyards, but has since relocated a few times to the UIC Pavillion as well suburban Rosemont’s dance hall.
