Welcome to Chicago… The Windy City. Yes it's true, "the almighty hawk" does blow around here, but did you know that the name actually refers to the long-winded and boastful speeches of Chicago politicians? Chicago was bidding to host the World's Colombian Exhibition in 1893 and the people of New York gave us that name. "Ignore the nonsensical claims of that windy city." We can only surmise that the City That Never Sleeps stayed up all night thinking of that one. Chicago had recently passed St. Louis as the nation's fourth largest city with a population of 330,000.
The Great Chicago Fire happened in October of 1871. The city at that time was made primarily out of wood. The streets, the sidewalks and the buildings were all made of wood so it was very easy for the fire to spread on this windy evening. Legend has it that it started at 137 DeKoven Street in Mrs. O'Leary's barn. Their cow kicked over a lantern and the rest is history. The fire finally stopped two days later at the Water Tower on Chicago Avenue that still stands today.
Chicago has magnificent skyscrapers; The Sears Tower, The John Handcock Building, the AON Building and the new Trump International Hotel and Tower.
Chicago has a diverse, powerful economy. It is a major tourism center that boasts world-class shopping, dining, hotels, museums, architecture, theaters, music, and sports. The Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks and of course, "Da Bears" keep sports fans interested all year round.
Chicago has endless attractions. Places like Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, The Lincoln Park Zoo, The Art Institute, The Field Museum, The Adler Planetarium, The Shedd Aquarium, The Theatre District, The Chicago River and Lake Michigan boat cruises, and The Magnificent Mile are enough to keep any visitor busy.
Chicago has very diverse cultural neighborhoods. Stroll around places like Old Town, Greektown, Wicker Park/Bucktown, Pilsen, Wrigleyville, Little Italy, Hyde Park, Chinatown, and Lincoln Park; you will experience some "good old Midwestern charm" and understand why people love Chicago and can't wait to come back!
