Old Town, Historic neighborhood in Near North Side, Chicago, US
Old Town is a Chicago neighborhood featuring Victorian-era buildings and irregular street patterns that contrast with the city's typical grid layout. The district mixes historic structures with contemporary shops and restaurants along tree-lined blocks.
German-speaking settlers began farming this area in the 1850s after draining the former wetland. The neighborhood later survived the 1871 fire better than surrounding areas, allowing many of its original structures to endure.
The annual June art fair draws artists and visitors to the streets, where local creators display their work directly in the neighborhood. This tradition reflects how the area has remained a center for artistic expression and creative communities.
The neighborhood is easily reached by multiple bus routes and the Brown and Purple line L stations nearby. The tree-lined streets and flat terrain make walking around straightforward and comfortable.
St. Michael's Church, built in 1869, is one of only seven structures that survived the 1871 fire and remained standing as the city rebuilt. These rare survivors give visitors a direct connection to Chicago's past before the disaster reshaped everything.
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