Washington Heights

Like most areas surrounding Chicago in the mid-1800s, Washington Heights was land that was settled on by farmers. Railroads became the centerpiece of the region's economy after 1860, and the subdivision, and subsequent development, of the land happened soon after. This new development caused a steady population increase, and by 1874, Washington Heights had enough residents to incorporate. The area was annexed into the city of Chicago just over a decade later, and by 1900, the "heights" portion of the area was "developed separately as a settlement for upper-income residents," and it was renamed Beverly.