 |
 |
|
|
Chicago heightsChicago Heights is a city located in the state of Illinois in United States and lies in the Cook County. It occupies the North Eastern part of state and is basically a suburb of Chicago. As per the census of 2005, the population of the city was 31,373. The name of the city has been derived from the proximity it has with Chicago and is located 50 kilometers south of the downtown. Elevation is the city is also one of reasons for which it is quite famous. With reference to the surrounding areas, it is located at an average elevation of 29 meters. As per the census bureau of United States, the total area of the city is approximately 25 square kilometers.
It is composed mainly of land as the water component in the city is 0.10%. There are about 10750 households in the city that comprises 8000 families. So far the racial makeup of the Chicago Heights is concerned, there are about 45% people white, 37% African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.4% Native American and rest belong to other races. Thus, city is dominated by white people. Similarly, about 31% of the total population is comprised by people below the age of 18 years whereas approximate percentage of people falling between 18-24 years is 10. About 12% of the total population is comprised by the people that are 65 years old or more. Number of females in the city is more than number of males as there are 95 males for every 100 males. So far the income is concerned; the per capita income of the city was $14963 as per the census conducted and about 17% of the population lives below the poverty line.
History
In 1890s, a group of developers belonging to the city of Chicago led by Charles Wacker determined to establish this city. Chicago Heights was thought to be set up as outer ring industrial suburb. Thus, large scale heavy industries were created which included Inland Steel. Hotel Victoria, which was designed by Louis Sullivan, was also built. Development of city and community growth occurred in a very fast manner and in the year 1920, the population of the Chicago Heights increased to 19653. Many Italian, African American, Polish and Irish workers move into the area so that they could live close to the heavy industries in which they were working. It is important to note here that the downtown area served as a transportation, banking, retail and entertainment center in the developing phase of the Chicago Heights. There were also many rural settlements within 15 miles of Chicago Heights.
First transcontinental highway was taken through the city by the Lincoln Highway Association in the year 1916 and thus, city was on the crossroads map of the nation. Due to great depression of 1930s, industrial base of Chicago Heights was hit quite hard. In 1940s, factories located in Chicago Heights produced chemical, steel and war materials.World War II is seen as a golden era for the residential expansion in the city that occurred in the north and west directions. Downtown retailers also prospered as the population and area grew. Mass employment to thousands of people was provided in the year 1950 with the coming of Ford Stamping.
Education was not far behind and in 1950s, Bloom Township High School, one of leading schools in the Chicago Heights, gained higher level recognition in the field of academics and sports. The population of Chicago Heights achieved its highest level in the year 1970 when it was about 40900. Competition threats from Park Forest Plaza and changing retail patterns brought great challenges to this commercial center during 1970s. Even the employment in the heavy manufacturing industries suffered a downfall and such employment was considered as less reliable. As a result the population of Chicago Height started declining and as a result, it was dropped to 32776 in the year 2000. However, Hispanic minorities and African Americans continued to rise. Stabilization to this city was brought about by the prosperity of late 1990s, but challenges posted to the commercial sector remain as it is.
Other aspects
As per the latest development measures, controlling crime in the Chicago Heights and Economic Development of the city have been put on list of priorities for the year 2008. With the levels of crime increasing and sluggish economic development, these measures were very much necessary. Doing this would allow more people to come from nearby as well as far flung areas to Chicago Heights and get settled. One of the reasons for lower number of people coming to this city is Tornado activities. As per the studies conducted, it is 75% more than that of national average. One of major tornadoes in the area hit this city on 28th August 1990 and as a result, about 29 people were killed and 350 injured. The damages were caused to the tune of $500000.
So far the medical facilities are concerned; there are some renowned medical centers and hospitals around Chicago Heights. This includes South Suburban Hospital that is located about 6 miles far from the city ; Ingalls Memorial Hospital, that is located about 7 miles away from the city and St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare CTRS INC, that is located 10 miles from the city. There are also some airports that have been certified for the carrier operations and located near to Chicago Height. These include Gary/Chicago Airport that is located 18 miles away from city;Chicago Midway International airport that is located about 21 miles away from the city and the Chicago OHare International Airport, that is located 37 miles away from the city. Apart from above, there are also some public use airports that are located near to Chicago Heights. These include Lansing Muni, Sanger and Tinley Park Helistop.
Among the notable locations in Chicago Heights are the Chicago Heights Park District Golf Course and Chicago Heights Country Club. Olympia Plaza Shopping Center is also one of famous shopping places in the city.
Other articles
|
