Chicago is the largest city in the United States. It is located on Lake Michigan and is famed for its architecture and museums.
History
Chicago has played an important role in the history of the United States. The city has risen from a backwater village to one of the most dominant Midwestern cities in the country. With its location along the “golden funnel” of transportation, the city became a major center of business, religion, education, and sports.
In the early 1850s, Chicago became the terminus for ten trunk line railroads. By 1892, it was the terminus for twenty-one trunk line railroads.
A new railway, the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad, opened in 1848. This railroad facilitated shipping from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Among the leading industries were grain, meatpacking, and livestock.
Architecture
The architecture of Chicago is defined by many layers of innovative architecture. From the earliest period of the city’s history to present day, Chicago’s buildings are not only a visual attraction but also tell the stories of its citizens.
Many of Chicago’s historic buildings are threatened by demolition. In order to protect them, preservation organizations have been formed. They include MacRostie Historic Advisors, which is located in Chicago, and McGuire, Igleski, and Associates in Evanston.
One of the city’s most notable skyscrapers is the Willis Tower, which once held the title as the tallest building in the world. The structure’s Gothic Revival design borrowed ideas from past architectural styles. However, it was surpassed by another New York building in 1893.
Food
The Chicago food scene offers plenty of options for those looking for delicious cuisine, whether it’s a five-star restaurant or a neighborhood diner. And, unlike Los Angeles, there are also a wide variety of restaurants that serve up cheap eats.
One of the most popular foods in Chicago is the Italian beef sandwich. This savory meat dish is made of thinly sliced roast beef, bathed in cooking juices and topped with sweet or spicy peppers. It’s one of the city’s most iconic budget eats.
Another top Chicago food is the flaming saganaki. Originally created in Chicago’s Greektown, it’s now one of the city’s most sought-after appetizers. When it’s served, it’s lit on a fire at the table.
Public transportation
Public transportation in Chicago has been around for decades. It was originally designed to move horse drawn carriages from one location to another. But it also was used as a means of transporting people.
The first “L” train route was built in 1892. This was part of an expansion project that Charles Tyson Yerkes helped to start. Other transit operators copied his plans.
In 1890, the average person rode mass transit 164 times a year. A large majority of the riders were middle class citizens. However, few black and immigrant workers used the system regularly.
Some political enemies accused city officials of selling out to transit companies. Other argued that a system of bad transportation was the reason the poor did not have better jobs.
Neighborhoods
Chicago is home to many different neighborhoods. There are the old standbys like River North and Logan Square, and then there are some newer, hipper areas to consider.
The neighborhoods of Chicago are broken up into 77 community zones. This allows for easy access to the various amenities in the city, as well as to other neighborhoods. For instance, Lincoln Park is a great area to live if you enjoy the lakefront and want to be close to downtown.
One of the most iconic parts of the city is the Loop, which is a major business district located along the Chicago River. In the Loop, you will find the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and other attractions.
Sports
The Chicago sports scene is a vibrant one, with fans from all over the United States traveling to the Windy City to catch a game. This sporty town is home to several high-quality teams in various professional leagues.
The Chicago Cubs are a popular baseball team, with many Chicagoans camping out for Cubs tickets when the season starts. However, the Chicago White Sox are also a major player in the Chicago sports scene.
Aside from the Cubs and White Sox, the city is home to other Major League Baseball franchises. The White Sox are based in the South Side and play in Guaranteed Rate Field.
In the NBA, the Chicago Bulls have a long history as one of the best basketball sides in the world. Their success is attributed to superstars like Michael Jordan.