Before I start writing about Chicago, also known as "The Windy City", I'd like to mention that Chicago is my most favorite city in the whole world - its unique charm, the fabulous skyline of Downtown Chicago, great Navy Pier, breath-taking Michigan Avenue, the bustling Loop, fantastic views from Hancock and Sears Tower of the city, ... - I think I could go on forever like that. As you see, I'm very prepossessed when talking about this city. But believe me, Chicago is definitely a must-see city!!!
Chicago has overtaken the entire northeastern corner of Illinois, running north-south along 47 kilometers of the southwest Lake Michigan shore front. The city sits at the center of a web of interstates, rail lines, and air-plane routes; most cross-country traffic swings through the city.
Inhabited first by Native Americans and then by westbound settlers, Chicago was a burgeoning commercial center by the mid 1800s. With the growth of the railroad industry, the town became America's meat-packing hub, drawing millions of immigrants who acquired a few vast fortunes and countless broken dreams. Machine politics flourished, blurring any line between organized government and organized crime.
In October 1871, wide parts of the city were destroyed by the great fire. Nevertheless, 22 years later the city was able to host a remarkable World Fair.
During the time of Prohibition (1919 - 1933), the city was tyrannized by Gangs, often in cooperation with corrupt Police and administrative officers. The most famous racketeer was doubtlessly Al Capone. Also Jazz music experienced during the 1920s its flowering time in Chicago.
Today, Chicago is one of the most frequented metropolis of the western hemisphere.
Chicago's sights range from well-publicized museums to undiscovered back streets, from parks and beaches to towering skyscrapers. The tourist brochures, bus tours, and the downtown area reveal only a fraction of Chicago. As a famous art historian once said, "no one will learn the city of Chicago without using their feet". - I fully agree with this statement.
What to see?
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
City Search: Chicago
City of Chicago Home Page
Chicago.com
State of Illinois
Urbana-Champaign | Chicago | Amish Country | St. Louis
Florida | Buffalo | Albany | Boston | Cape Cod
New York City | Philadelphia | Baltimore | Washington
| Home |