Belmont Cragin History

Belmont Cragin is a neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois. It is located about 10 miles northwest of the downtown area, and it is bordered by the neighborhoods of Montclare, Portage Park, and Belmont Gardens.

The area that is now Belmont Cragin was originally settled by European immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these early residents were German, Irish, and Polish immigrants, who were attracted to the area due to its proximity to industrial jobs. In the early 20th century, Belmont Cragin became a predominantly working-class neighborhood, with a mix of single-family houses and small apartment buildings.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the neighborhood underwent significant changes as a result of urban renewal projects and the construction of the Kennedy Expressway. Many older buildings were demolished to make way for new development, and the neighborhood’s population became more diverse, with an influx of Hispanic and African American residents. Today, Belmont Cragin is a diverse neighborhood with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It is home to a large Hispanic community, and it has a strong sense of community pride.