Washington Park is a South Side gem with a fascinating history. The 370-acre park was designed in the 1870s by landscape architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, whose other famous designs include New York’s Central Park and the United States Capitol grounds. The park was named for George Washington, the first President of the United States. A statue of his likeness sits at 51st Street and King Drive.
The surrounding neighborhood, also called Washington Park, was a popular choice for many African-American families to settle during the Great Migration from the South in the 1920s. The area stretches from 51st Street to 63rd Street and from Cottage Grove to the Dan Ryan Expressway. Washington Park is a family-friendly neighborhood full of stunning architecture, including historic limestone and greystone mansions.
Neighborhood Highlights:
Fountain of Time: Lorado Taft’s Fountain of Time sculpture is located at 59th Street and Cottage Grove. The 125-foot concrete sculpture was dedicated in 1922 and commemorates 100 years of peace between the United States and Great Britain after the War of 1812. The sculpture, which symbolizes the passing of time, depicts 100 people of different ages who are separated from Father Time by a shallow reflecting pool.
DuSable Museum of African American History: Founded in 1961 by Dr. Margaret Burroughs, the DuSable Museum is one of the largest museums dedicated to Black history and culture in the country. This South Side treasure is home to over 15,000 works of African-American art and historical artifacts. The museum was named for Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, a Haitian trader who is considered the first non-indigenous resident of Chicago.
Bud Billiken Parade: One of the largest African-American parades in the country, the Bud Billiken Parade was created in 1929 by Robert S. Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender. Hundreds of thousands of spectators gather for the annual end-of-summer celebration that includes bands, dance teams, and other performers. The two-mile parade route begins in Bronzeville and ends in Washington Park. The Bud Billiken Parade has also provided school supplies and scholarships for area students.