Archer Heights, Back of the Yards, and Bridgeport

Moving down to the Southwest Side of Chicago, we now take a look at the neighborhood of Archer Heights, primarily consisting of brick bungalows and ranches. This latter day neighborhood represents the impression many people have when they think of Chicago and its people – hard-working and no-nonsense, just friendly, blue-collar folks.

The neighborhood also features many delis, bakeries, and culturally-oriented nightclubs, and, notably, is dominated by a significantly Polish population.

Archer Heights is also a blanket term sometimes used to include neighboring Brighton Park, as well as, neighboring Gage Park. These two sub-neighborhoods have many characteristics in common with Archer Heights, bungalow-styles houses, working class and residents primarily of Polish descent.

The history of Archer Avenue is rich, beginning centuries ago as a Native American travel path. It has, of course, grown throughout the years. Today, the area entails such intriguing locations as the Baby Doll Polka Club. Interestingly, Archer Avenue is one of the oldest streets in Chicago, so it is no surprise that it is accompanied by a world-famous ghost story – the tale of Resurrection Mary, the phantom hitchhiker who asks to be driven to her final resting place. Archer Heights and its surrounding neighborhoods can be reached via the Stevenson Expressway, as well as, “El” stops at Pulaski, Kedzie, and Western.

Back of the Yards is a South Side Chicago neighborhood taking its name from the once-famed Chicago Stockyards. The Union Stockyard Gate has stood in this historic neighborhood for over 100 years, and now stands as a memorial to Chicago’s storied past.

As for the neighborhood today, Back of the Yards is primarily residential. Presently, the area is in the process of undergoing several projects involving urban renewal and revitalization. In addition, Back of the Yards’ business district is in the expansion mode adding on to its existing retail area along 47th Street and Ashland Avenue, site of many family-owned businesses and national chain stores, to also include more large chains, department stores and franchise operations. By car, Back of the Yards can be reached via either I-90 or I-94.

The South Side Chicago neighborhood of Bridgeport features historic roots, beautiful architecture and old churches, and is the home of U.S. Cellular Field and the Chicago White Sox baseball team. An older, family-focused community, Bridgeport was home to former mayor Richard J. Daley throughout much of his life.

There is no more authentic-feeling neighborhood than Chicago’s Bridgeport, once known as Hardscrabble and Cabbage Patch. The Bridgeport name came about because of its proximity to a bridge on the Chicago River that was too low to allow safe passage for boats, so cargo had to be unloaded there. The neighborhood, once a thriving center of industry, is now more subdued and decidedly more residential. Favorably speaking, Bridgeport is currently enjoying somewhat of a modern renewal, as former residents who acquired a taste for modern living are returning with a desire to rejoin the community. Bridgeport is easily accessible through public transportation, with a Red Line “El” Stop at Sox Park | 35th Street.