Two events led to population increases for the Englewood and West Englewood neighorhoods . In 1871 the Great Chicago Fire destroyed many neighborhoods to the north . The combination of open spaces for housing and the presence of railroad lines made these neighborhoods ideal for Chicagoans looking for less crowding and moving from the urban center destroyed in the fire . In 1889 the neighborhoods of Englewood and West Englewood became part of the City of Chicago after the town of Lake was annexed by the city
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
West Englewood, Chicago