Shopping + Dining + Culture Map : 48

Historien Om

[ the story of ]

The story of Andersonville begins as a cherry orchard in the 1850s and evolves throughout the years, adding several layers of identity: first as a Swedish settlement on the outskirts of Chicago; then as a homebase for Chicago’s LGBTQIA+ population; and now as a home to hundreds of local and independent businesses. All of these identities and more make up Andersonville’s neighborhood fabric. View the timeline snapshots to the right, or visit the full history at andersonville.org/the-neighborhood.

2020-2021 : 18 new brick & mortar businesses open or expand in Andersonville in spite of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 1850 : Andersonville exists only as a cherry orchard north of the city. Swedish Farmers begin moving into this distant suburb of Chicago.

1965 : Midsommarfest is celebrated for the first time to honor the Swedish tradition of marking the Summer Solstice.

1976 : Kurt Mathiasson opens the Swedish American Museum.

2009 : The Andersonville Farmers Market begins its first season from May to October on Berwyn between Clark & Ashland. 1854 : Andersonville school is built and serves as the primary school until 1908.

1964 : The Uptown Clark Street Business Association renews its commitment to its Swedish Heritage by renaming itself the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.

1988 : The Swedish American Museum is rededicated by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at its current location, 5211 North Clark Street.

2004 : The Andersonville Study is published, showing that money spent in a local business recirculates in the community more than money spent at a chain store.

2010 : Andersonville is named a National Commercial Historic District.

2017-2019 : 39 new brick & mortar businesses open in Andersonville within a two year span. 2014 : The iconic Swedish American Museum Water Tower is removed due to irreparable water damage.

2017 : The new Water Tower replica is installed atop the museum roof on August 8, reinstating Andersonville’s beloved icon. 1871 : After the Great Chicago Fire, building with wood was outlawed within the City of Chicago. Swedish immigrants move into Andersonville in order to build wooden houses along Clark Street. Businesses blossom: delis, hardware stores, shoe stores, blacksmiths, bakeries, realty companies, and local churches.

1934 : Simon’s Tavern opens, one of the oldest Swedish establishment still in the neighborhood today.

1990 : Women & Children First Bookstore relocates to Andersonville, attracting more lesbian and queer people to Andersonville, and establishing the neighborhood as a safe haven for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community.

2001 : Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration opens in the Swedish American Museum.

2015 : Andersonville celebrates 50 years of Midsommarfest!

2016 : Andersonville Sustainable Community Alliance is awarded the Illinois Governors Sustainability Award.