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Historically, Bridgeport is one of the oldest of the city's 77 neighborhoods and home to five of the city's mayors. Bridgeport is a community of Churches, corner taverns and small working class, blue collar residences. With a significantly lower population density than most of the city's other neighborhoods, it is more spacious, less crowded and less built up than one might expect, especially as it is situated a mere 10-15 minutes south of the Loop.
Bridgeport was originally settled by Irish and Polish immigrants in the mid 19th century, attracted primarily by the plentiful jobs provided by the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in 1836, which slices through the neighborhood. The infamous Union Stockyards, through which passed practically all animals destined for America's tables, likewise offered much employment.
The stockyards were a few short blocks south, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. It is said that on a quiet night when the moon is clear, the temperature just right and the wind silent, one can still hear the moos and oinks from time past.
Today's Bridgeport is a cosmopolitan mix of many and varied ethnic groups: Irish, Polish, Italian, German, Lithuanian, African-American, Mexican-American and Asian-American - all of which are well represented in the local neighborhood restaurants and shops.
Located on the city's near and exciting south side, in the shadow of the Sear's Tower and other downtown skyscrapers, Bridgeport sits strategically near the convergence of downtown with I-55, I-57, I-65, I-80 and I-90/94, just off the Chicago Skyway. It is under the flight pattern of Midway Airport (approximately 7 miles away) and, without traffic, is 45 minutes from O'Hare International Airport.
Bridgeport is only minutes from the Loop and downtown, Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile and the Gold Coast, shopping, business and financial districts, museums, Navy Pier, entertainment, sand beaches of Lake Michigan, Comiskey Park, the United Center, Soldier Field, McCormick Convention Center, Greek town, Chinatown, Little Italy, the Merchandise Mart and major hospitals. Also close in are the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University, DePaul University, Illinois Institute of Technology and the seminaries of Hyde Park.
Bridgeport is conveniently served by area public transportation
Come explore the colorful past and today's vibrant life of this close-knit family orientated near south side neighborhood nestled between the Chicago River and the old Comiskey [White Sox] Ball Park, Bridgeport, Chicago, USA.
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