Latvians in Chicago

Latvians immigrated to Chicago in the late 19th century, seeking economic and political change from the hardships faced in the Russian Empire. Similar to Latvian communities in other American cities, Chicago's early Latvian settlers were divided between religious followers and political activists. Following an unsuccessful uprising in Russia's Baltic province in 1905, many political radicals sought refuge in the United States.

Approximately 4,000 Latvians live in Chicago as of 2004.^[1]