History of Ukrainian Village by Lesia Yurkiw

Originally the area that because Ukrainian Village was farmland. After the Chicago Fire of 1871, German immigrants developed the neighborhood. As immigration continued to grow, the neighborhood became predominantly Slavic with large Polish and Slovak populations. Attracted by similar cultures, many Ukrainian immigrants started to concentrate in the area in the early 1900s. They built churches, schools, youth centers, banks, museums, shops, and restaurants. By 1930, it is estimated that Ukrainian immigrants numbered about 30,000 with the majority residing in Ukrainian Village. With post WWII Americans moving to suburbia outmigration decreased the Ukrainian population. By 1990 approximately 2,500 people residing in the area claimed Ukrainian descent and many young professionals started moving in. However, the area is still a strong Chicago cultural hub for Ukrainian activity being home to establishments and organizations such as the Ukrainian Cultural Center, the Ukrainian National Museum, several churches, restaurants, and shops.

Ukrainian Immigration

There have been four waves of Ukrainian immigration to the United States. 

The first wave of immigration occurred in the early 1900s. Migrants escaping oppressive Russian and Austro–Hungarian tensions, and some seeking prosperity settled in the area.

The second wave occurred after World War I between the years of 1920 thru 1939.

World War II’s devastating effect on Ukraine left many homeless. The United States Displaced Persons Act of 1948 helped many Ukrainians escape oppression and immigrate to the U.S., which resulted in the third wave of immigration.

Finally, the breakup of the Soviet Union allowed many Ukrainians to leave Ukraine and seek a better quality of life, brought in the fourth wave in the 1990s.