West Loop in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Union Park

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 2, 2025

1. Union Park Marker

Inscription. Union Park, named for the federal union, was created in the center of a fshionable neighborhood in 1853. Originally the park had an artificial lake, a zoo, and several buildings including an observation tower.

Between the 1880's and the 1910's, nationally renowned designers created innovative works of architecture and landscape art in Union Park. This included an experimental wildflower garden planted by Jens Jensen, the dean of the Prairie Style in landscape architecture.

In the 1910's, African Americans began settling in the neighborhood, and Union became the first integrated park. In later years the park became well-known for musical and theatrical productions, dances, and other social events.

Erected by Chicago Park District.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Jens Jensen series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 41° 53.087′ N, 87° 40′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in West Loop. It is on Ashland Avenue south of Lake Street. The marker is a short walk west of the park's

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gymnasium and pool. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1501 West Randolph Street, Chicago IL 60607, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Mary Thompson Hospital for Women and Children (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Union Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carter H. Harrison (about 700 feet away); James Connolly (about 800 feet away); West Side YMCA/YWCA Complex (approx. 0.3 miles away); Wieboldt's Department Store (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jackson Boulevard (approx. 0.4 miles away); Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. The historical text is on the rear of the Union Park sign facing Ashland Ave. A smaller park sign with identical text can be found south of here, near Ashland's intersection with Washington Blvd.

Also see . . . Chicago Park District: Union Park.

Excerpt: "Between the 1920s and the 1950s, the park became well-known for cultural and social events, and a number of notable musicians performed there. Among them were the noted pioneer of gospel music Thomas A. Dorsey; trumpeter Sunny Cohn;
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 2, 2025

2. Union Park Marker
The park's gymnasium and pool are in the background; behind the sign is the Ashland stop on the CTA Green Line "L."
and jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis."

(Submitted on January 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, January 2, 2025

3. Union Park

The historical text is on the rear of the sign.

Photographed by Chicago History Museum (ICHi-026327)

4. Union Park

A lithograph depicts Union Park in its earliest days.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 194 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 2, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 4. submitted on January 3, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.