Bronzeville
Historical
Society
The Illinois Central Railroad
12th Street Station was the portal for many
African Americans. Thousands of Blacks
came to Chicago continuously from 1890
through the 1950’s due to racism in the
South, lack of opportunity, and the desire
for education and employment.

The largest number of African Americans
in Chicago settled between 18th Street on
the North and 51st Street on the South -
State Street on the West and Cottage
Grove on the East during the Great  
Migration.

The Chicago Defender Founded in 1905,
communicated with more blacks than any
other publication in the first half of the
twentieth century.  The newspaper
encouraged  the migration of black
southerners to Northern cities with a
circulation of over 200,000.  Pullman
Porters aided the nationwide distribution.

Robert S. Abbott, Founder (1868-1940)
Chicago Daily Defender
....preserving, providing, and protecting Black History of Chicago
Bronzeville Historical Society
773 291-9115
MISSION
STATEMEN
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