A Brief History of Lincoln Park

The Lincoln Park neighborhood is perhaps the most widely known community of Chicago. Named after Lincoln Park, a vast stretch of park belonging to the Chicago Park District, the community area is anchored by the park which includes the Lincoln Park Zoo and DePaul University and is bordered by the community areas of Lakeview to the north, Bucktown to the west, and Near North Side to the south.  Lincoln Park Market is prepared to serve them all.

The area now known as Lincoln Park in Chicago was primarily forest with stretches of grassland and occasional quicksand until the late 1820s when the European settlers arrived.

In 1824 the U.S. Army built a small post near today's Clybourn Avenue and Armitage Avenue (formerly Centre Street). Indian settlements existed along Green Bay Trail, now called Clark Street (named after American Revolutionary War hero George Rogers Clark), at the current intersection of Halsted Street and Fullerton Avenue. Before Green Bay Trail became Clark Street, it stretched as far as Green Bay, Wisconsin, and was part of what is still Green Bay Road in Chicago's North Shore suburbs and Green Bay Avenue in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

In 1836, land from North Avenue to Fullerton Avenue and from the lake to Halsted Street was relatively inexpensive, costing $150 per acre. Because the area was considered remote, a small pox hospital and the city cemetery were located in Lincoln Park until the 1860s. In 1837, Chicago was incorporated as a city, and North Avenue was established as its northern boundary. Settlements increased along Green Bay Trail when the government offered land claims and Green Bay Road was widened.

In the period following the Civil War, the area around St. Josaphat's Parish around Southport Avenue and Clybourn Avenue was home to Chicago's Kashubian community, who, although Polish in national orientation, possess their own distinct culture and language marked by the distinct influences of their maritime way of life.

Lincoln Park Zoo 

Lincoln Park Zoo is located in the city of Chicago and is noted for its excellent collection of great apes living together in family groups and its successful gorilla breeding program. Established in 1868, this zoo is among the oldest zoos in the U.S.. Its marine collection was transferred to the Shedd Aquarium in 1930.

The zoo underwent an extensive modernization program in the second half of 20th century. The 35-acre (14-hectare) park is operated by the Lincoln Park Zoological Society and is partially supported by the Chicago Park District. It houses more than 1,200 specimens of some 230 species of animals. Major strengths of its collection are the cats and South American primates. The Farm-in-the-Zoo (first opened in 1964) showcases animals and activities of a Midwestern farm. There is also a children's zoo, and the park operates a traveling zoo program, Lincoln Park Zoo is notable as one of the few remaining zoos with free admission. 

College Life in Historic Lincoln Park

Tree-lined streets. Historic brownstones. Legendary campus. Situated in a beautiful residential neighborhood, DePaul University's 30 acre Lincoln Park campus is also the site of 15 residence halls and apartment communities which house over 2,500 students. Welcome to DePaul University, a private, Catholic institution of higher learning that has grown to be the largest Catholic university in the nation. We are proud at Lincoln Park Market to assist the student population of more than 20,000 students which reflects a broad diversity of ethnic, religious, geographic and economic backgrounds. Chicago, with its many resources, is an integral part of education at DePaul University. From renowned libraries and museums to world-class theater, music and sports, when you attend DePaul University, all of Chicago is your campus and we are here to serve your needs too.

DePaul University is a Rewarding Experience

Modeled after St. Vincent de Paul's teachings of being a full participant in one's community, the supportive residence hall community focuses on diversity, respect, community spirit, and leadership development. Collaborative relationships with students, faculty, and staff are it's top priority. At first glance, DePaul University's major metropolitan setting might appear too large and overwhelming to students and their families, but they pride themselves on developing and nurturing a positive, supportive, and caring housing environment. A safe and secure community is also a top priority for DePaul. DePaul University's multicultural community is reflective of Chicago's diverse population, and one of the most rewarding aspects of the residential community.  Lincoln Park Market supports this multicultural community and is proud to be associated with it.