Chicago's Margaret Taylor-Burroughs Beach in a very important piece of Chicago's history.

This is the stretch of shoreline where Eugene Williams was killed 27 July 1919 by White beachgoers, indignant that he had crossed an invisible segregation line in the water. The Chicago Race Riot began here, between 25th and 29th Streets, in response to Williams' murder.

The beach was named after Margaret Taylor-Burroughs in 2015.

Margaret Taylor-Burroughs co-founded the DuSable Museum of African American History. She was an American visual artist, writer, poet, educator, and arts organizer. She also helped to establish the South Side Community Art Center in Chicago. Read about the beach's history here. https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/margaret-t-burroughs-beach

Margaret T Burroughs Beach is part of Burnham Park. Burnham Park was named after the famous Chicago Architect Daniel Burnham, who had plans to turn Chicago's south shores into a beach and parkland. Today, the 31st Street Beach is home to great swimming and also includes amenities such as pay-and-display parking, wheelchair access walks and public washrooms.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Margaret Taylor-Burroughs Beach and 8,000 other beaches.