In 1869 documents called Kispest Colonie Klein Pest. This area nine or ten kilometers from Pest’s center. It became a parish in 1871 a small village in 1873 and a big parish village in 1874. Kispest grew rapidly. A horse-drawn coach connected Kispest to Pest in 1872. People could easily get to work. A local newspaper started in 1895. Telephone service began in 1896. The first two-story building appeared on Templom Square in 1897. Many more followed along Úllői Road. A railway arrived in 1885 and a tramway in 1900. Kispest became a desirable place to live. By 1900 2160 homes housed 15756 people. Kispest flourished.
In 1908 Prime Minister Sándor Wekerle started building a workers’ residential area. This is now the beautiful Wekerletelep. Wide avenues and a charming suburban feel made it a great place to live. It remains a jewel of Kispest. Many important industrial and trade businesses opened in Kispest in the first half of the 20th century. In 1922 Kispest became a town. World War I and the economic crisis slowed progress. Social problems worsened. Building of gas mains and water conduits resumed in 1931. Road construction began. After 1936 production increased. Economic life improved. World War II caused destruction. On January 1 1950 Kispest became Budapest’s 19th district.
After 1950 Kispest developed in two ways. Industrial businesses grew. But Kispest remained an outer district a satellite town of Budapest. In the 1970s Kispest became the regional center of South Pest. New housing estates were built along Úllői Road. This covered 125 hectares. Kispest’s central character emerged with the opening of the North South metro line line 3. Today Kispest is a dynamic part of Budapest. It has transport hubs shopping centers offices and quiet neighborhoods. Kispest is active in sports and culture. Many cultural associations and sports clubs thrive here. The local government runs schools and care centers. Kispest invests in parks and playgrounds. EU grants help fund many projects including a new bicycle path. Kispest fosters international connections with sister cities including those in Serbia Croatia Bulgaria Poland and Turkey. Kispest a vibrant district with a rich history.