Washington Park is Chicago community area #40, on the South Side about 7 miles south of the Loop. It is named for the 345.67-acre Washington Park, designed by Olmsted and Vaux, which holds the DuSable Museum of African American History and Lorado Taft’s Fountain of Time. CMAP estimates its population at 12,313 (2020–2024 ACS).
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 40 |
| Side of the city | South Side |
| Population (2020–2024 ACS estimate, CMAP) | 12,313 |
| Neighborhoods within | Washington Park |
| Main L stations | Green Line: 51st, Garfield |
| Major parks | Washington Park (345.67 acres) |
Boundaries
The community area runs from 51st Street to 63rd Street, between Cottage Grove Avenue and the Dan Ryan Expressway. The park fills the eastern part of the area along Cottage Grove.
Neighborhoods within Washington Park
The community area is generally treated as one neighborhood. The Washington Park Subdivision, site of a former racetrack, lies just to the south in Woodlawn.
History
Cable cars reached 63rd Street by 1887 and the L passed 55th Street by 1892. An apartment boom around 1900 was followed by racial transition, and the area was about 92 percent Black by 1930. Washington Park was a flashpoint of the 1919 race riot.
Population reached nearly 57,000 in 1950 before falling to 14,146 in 2000. Washington Park Homes (1962) and part of the Robert Taylor Homes were built here; the Taylor homes have since been demolished. Lorraine Hansberry’s time here inspired A Raisin in the Sun.
Landmarks and parks
- Washington Park, planned by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1871; its address is 5531 S. King Drive.
- DuSable Museum of African American History, founded in 1961 and in the park since 1973, housed in a 1910 Burnham-designed building.
- Fountain of Time, by Lorado Taft, from 1922.
- St. Mary’s AME Church (1897), the area’s oldest Black congregation.
- The Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic, an annual event tied to the area.
Getting there
The Green Line stops at 51st and Garfield.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Washington Park?
The Chicago Park District lists it at 345.67 acres.
Who designed Washington Park?
Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, as part of their 1871 South Park plan.
Is the DuSable Museum in Washington Park?
Yes. The museum moved into the park in 1973.
Which L stops serve Washington Park?
The Green Line’s 51st and Garfield stations.
Related guides
- Grand Boulevard (#38) community area guide
- Hyde Park (#41) community area guide
- Woodlawn (#42) community area guide
- Englewood community area guide
- Greater Grand Crossing community area guide
- CTA Green Line guide
- Chicago outdoors guide
- All 77 Chicago community areas
Sources
- CMAP Community Data Snapshot: Washington Park (June 2026 release)
- Encyclopedia of Chicago: Washington Park
- Wikipedia: Washington Park, Chicago
- Chicago Park District: Washington (George) Park
- Wikipedia: List of Chicago “L” stations
Last updated: October 31, 2026