In the 1960s, the population of Chicago shrank dramatically. White residents in several neighborhoods left the city for suburban areas, and the real estate industry made vast sums by blockbusting. Skilled workers and factory workers lost their jobs during the crisis. The living conditions of slum areas and ghettos were worst because the crime rates were high, shootings, robberies, rapes, fires, dreadful schools, and high dropout rates, joblessness were at its peak.
During the late 60s, the anti-war protesters disrupted the 1968 convention and ended up in a Daley-led police riot. The assassination of civil rights activist Martin Luther King led to violent riots and protest in the streets of Chicago. The unrest in Chicago led to eleven deaths and over a hundred destroyed buildings.
Take a look at these stunning historical photos of Chicago in the 1960s that shows the street, roads, transport, nightlife, and everyday life.
It’s fascinating to see how much the city has changed over the years, but also how some things have stayed the same.
Anybody remember Chickenman on WCFL?
Greatest Crimefighter the world has ever known!
Great photos!
Fantastic find. So many memories from childhood. Had an older cousin who lived in Marina city. I remember the rooftop observation deck with the Channel 7 antenna (before the John Hancock & Sears Tower were built.)
Too many damn cars. So glad it’s not like this anymore but man do we have a long way to go.