The History of Chicago Kinzie High School
Chicago (population 2.8 million) is located in northeastern Illinois in eastern Cook
County. Lake Michigan, the Chicago and Des Plaines Rivers are the main waterways to and from town. Interstates
90, 94, 55, and 57 will all lead you to the "Windy City," as will numerous US and state routes, which at one time included
the legendary Route 66. From what started as a small village in the early 1800's, Chicago has grown to the nation's
third largest city and one of the most famous places in the world.
Kinzie High School began on Chicago's southwest side near Midway Airport,
Interstate 55 (better known as the Stevenson Expressway), and Archer Avenue
(Route 66) in 1962, admitting one class at a time until it had students in all four classes. Its' history is short due
to the fact that on November 16th, 1965, the name was changed to Kennedy High School on account of the 35th President of the United States, the late John F. Kennedy.
Kinzie was named for John H. Kinzie, who was the son of Chicago's first caucasian
settler. He later ran in the first mayoral election of Chicago after it was incorporated as a city in 1837. A street
and an elementary school are named for him today in Chicago.
FACTS ABOUT CHICAGO KINZIE HIGH SCHOOL
Year opened: 1962
Year closed: 1965
School colors: unknown
School nickname: unknown
School song: unknown
