How did it get its name? The name derives from “Riverdale Crossing” on the Calumet River.
The beginning: Residents voted to incorporate Riverdale in 1892, five years after the first effort failed.
Population: 14,277 (2007 census estimate)
Where is it? 23 miles south of the Loop; separated by the Calumet River from Chicago’s South Side
Did you know? A $17 million redevelopment intended to revitalize the downtown while retaining its historic nature is under way; the 1958 science fiction movie, “The Brain Eaters” was set here; local efforts earned Riverdale recognition as a Tree City USA municipality from 2001 to 2007.
Famous residents: Angelina Jolie’s mother, Marcheline Bertrand; Olympic Gold Medal winner Betty Robinson Schwartz; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Herbert Brewer (1937-39)
What you’ll find: Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course; Kickapoo Woods Forest Preserve; Riverdale Public Library; CSX Transportation Barr Yard; ArcelorMittal steel plant
Known in these parts for: Being a predominantly working-class African-American community; offers a small town atmosphere with the benefits of a metropolitan area.
