Historic Chicago Boulevards - Douglas Boulevard

When standing by the informational board for Historic Chicago Boulevards at the top of Douglas Boulevard, take a few minutes to read about the extensive boulevard system that traverses Chicago. Douglas Boulevard initially was developed by Stephan A. Douglas who purchased a large amount of land to develop an affluent residential community. North Lawndale was a well-known Jewish community until the 1930s; by the 1950s, African Americans began settling here in large numbers. The community was home to numerous businesses, including Sears, Roebuck & Co, International Harvester, Zenith, Sunbeam and Western Electric. Riots following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and systemic racist disinvestment in the community led to the loss of business and industry followed by a dramatic population collapse. Today, the population is approximately 35,000, down from a high of around 125,000 in the 1960s. WHAT TO LISTEN FOR: When standing by the entrance to Douglas Boulevard, one is surrounded by trees and the soft sound of wind fluttering leaves. One is also aware of the immersive hum of car traffic near and far. You can distinctly hear music from car radios at each stop light. Those spending time in the park with friends or enjoying a picnic along the boulevard contribute their voices to the aural landscape.