[2] The area was mostly undeveloped swamp land north of Lake Calumet until after the American Civil War.

[2] By the 1890s, the ICRR began construction of a roundhouse and repair shop at 95th and South Park Boulevard on what is now the site of Chicago State University.

Following World War II, the area's population makeup included a growing number of African-Americans.

Skyrocketing crime rates, gang violence and urban decay forced longtime residents and businesses to move away, a phenomenon referred to as white flight.

[2] According to an analysis of United States Census data by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, there were 2,254 people and 956 households in Burnside.

Its small size and closed boundaries have historically rendered it unattractive to most politicians and resulted in it receiving few rewards.

[2] In the Chicago City Council Burnside is part of the 8th ward where it is represented by Democratic alderman Michelle A.