About Altgeld Gardens:  Located in a far south neighborhood near Riverdale, Altgeld Gardens, or,  "The Gardens" is historic, as it is the location of the first public housing projects in the United States and was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad. It was built in 1945 to deal with the housing needs of African-Americans returning form the Second World War. Its 1,500 two-story row houses that span 157 acres are in the midst of getting rehabbed, and are bordered by 130th street, the Calumet River, Indiana Avenue and the I94 Expressway. It was originally settled by Dutch and German immigrants in the mid 1800's. There has been some new development in the area. Several projects have been spearheaded by the Local Advisory Council. 

The neighborhood is named for former Illinois governor John Altgeld. When fully occupied, there are approximately 3,500 people living in this community. There are schools and medical services in the area to service residents. Carver Park resides in Altgeld Gardens. It was built shortly after the housing projects were completed. Addressing the area need for recreational activities, the park contains such features as sports fields, swimming, and open areas. The park was named after George Washington Carver a prominent African-American scientist whose agricultural research made great advances in the field.

Altgeld's environment and history make it a cache of local significance: the Beaubien Forest Preserves are spotted with old-growth oaks and deer, and the Calumet River was once a popular spot for fishing.    Most recently Altgeld Gardens has come into World Wide notoriety due to it being the community that U.S. President Barack Obama cites as the community he helped, during his community organizing days in Chicago.