Dominated by the Calumet River, the neighborhood of East Side, received its name from the river that sits on the east bank.
Due to the vicinity to the lake and the railroads, industrial expansion expanded into the neighborhood, in the 1870s.
The 20th century was marked by the fortunes of the steel industry in the neighborhood. In the 1930s, there was unionization by workers. In the 1950’s the construction of the Chicago Skyway led to the neighborhood being split into two.
Many bungalow homes are found in the area, with other homes being built in the last few decades. There are plans to expand Calumet Park and to connect it with Rainbow Beach, the South Shore Cultural Center, and Jackson Park.
