Bronzeville in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Calumet-Giles-Prairie
Chicago Landmark District
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, April 14, 2025
1. Calumet-Giles-Prairie Marker
Erected by Commission on Chicago Landmarks; City of Chicago.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Illinois, Chicago Landmarks Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 41° 49.912′ N, 87° 37.166′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Bronzeville. It is on South Giles Avenue north of 35th Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is affixed to a lamppost on the west side of the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3434 South Giles Avenue, Chicago IL 60616, 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: Sunset Cafe (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The History of the "Fighting Eighth" Infantry Regiment and the Giles Armory (about 400 feet away); Vivian Harsh (about 500 feet away); Fannie Barrier Williams (about 500 feet away); Lorraine Hansberry
this page online
More about this marker. As is typical for this style of marker from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, both sides of the marker have identical text and feature a map of the historic district.
Regarding Calumet-Giles-Prairie. This three-block section of rowhouses dating from between 1870 and 1910 is sometimes referred to as "the Gap," as it survived during the 1960s while much of the surrounding neighborhood (known as Douglas, but more commonly today as Bronzeville) was cleared for redevelopment. A separate historic district called Calumet-Giles can be found about three blocks further south.
Also see . . .
1. Calumet-Giles-Prairie District. The full text of the district's Chicago Landmark Designation Report, filed in February 1987. (Submitted on April 14, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. Calumet-Giles-Prairie District. This page from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks includes some photos of the neighborhood. (Submitted on April 14, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, April 14, 2025
2. Calumet-Giles-Prairie Marker
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, April 14, 2025
3. Calumet-Giles-Prairie Marker
A south-facing view of the marker, showing the identical text. In the distance on the left is the 8th Infantry Regiment Armory, today the home to Chicago Military Academy.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 250 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 14, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
