Chicago
Chicago ... The Windy City
Take a walk down a Chicago street on a brutally windy day with temperatures ranging below 0 degrees and strong gusts hammering at your back, the first question you may ask yourself is, “Just who really decides to build a city in a place like this?’ Let’s find out shall we.
The Discovery of Chicago took place in 1673 by a French-born missionary of the Jesuit order, Farther Jacques Marquette. Assisting Farther Marquette was a Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet. The pair were the first Europeans to set eye on the land which we know today as the City of Chicago. Over the next 25-30 years traders and explorers traveled through the area and in 1696 a Jesuit missionary was established.
After the Revolutionary War, the US focused its attention on the vast western frontier. Because of the position of Chicago on Lake Michigan, the government planed to build a fort. In 1803 Fort Dearborn was built in Chicago. In 1818 Illinois became a state and on August 12, 1833 the Town of Chicago was incorporated. The name Chicago originated from the Indians, but the exact tribe is uncertain. In the year 1837 a committee applied for a city charter and one was granted.
Chicago is located on a flat lake shore near the southern tip of Lake Michigan. It rests on the continental divide separating the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. Chicago’s growth radiated out from its original vicinity. Chicago even extended its border along its shoreline by filling in matter along the coast.
In time Chicago grew to become a superb city, however along with growth comes problems. One such problem was the outbreak of typhoid fever. The source of this epidemic was the polluted Chicago River, which emptied into Lake Michigan. A bold engineering feat too place to reverse the flow of the Chicago River. To reverse the River, a 28-mile canal was built which would turn the flow of the river from its south branch towards the Mississippi.
The twentieth century bought with it many changed to Chicago. One of the bigger changes was the growing diversity of its resident population. Especially between 1900 and 1930, thousands upon thousand of immigrants converged onto the growing city. They came in search of work in the factories and warehouses. Thanks in part to the city’s department stores, movies theaters, and amusement parks, Chicagoans of all backgrounds could unite as equals.
Today Chicago is bustling with activity. There’s much to do in this great City. There are many events that take place year round. These include some concerts, festivals, fairs, and more.
The weather in Chicago is rather pleasant. In 2001 the average temperature was 49 degrees Fahrenheit with the average high being at 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Also in the year 2001 Chicago saw, on average, 165 days of temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Planning your day shouldn’t be hard to do in Chicago because of the activities, places to go, etc. There something to do for the whole family. Take the children to the Lincoln Park Zoo or to O’Leary’s Chicago Fire Truck Tours. Museums in this City include the Chicago Historical Society, DuSable Museum of African American History, and The Field Museum. At the Field Museum you’ll find mummies, Native American artifacts, stuffed animals and dinosaurs.
For sightseeing purposes you have Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Prairie Avenue Historic District, and Six Flags Great Adventure. If these don’t intrigue you then hop on over to the John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium, The Navy Pier, or the Sears Tower. The Sheed Aquarium, as it is often called, has the world’s largest assortment of finned, gilled, amphibious and other aquatic life. The Oceanarium is multilevel, giving you the look and feel of being in the water with these creatures.
When the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t end there. There are concerts, comedy bars, jazz bars, clubs, and more. There’s sure to be something that appeals to your interest in Chicago.
Chicago is famous for many things; some of which are the largest and the tallest. Chicago has the world’s largest indoor marine mammal exhibit, largest aquarium, largest illuminated fountain, public library, bakery, candy factory, food festival, modern art museum, longest street, busiest roadway, tallest building, busiest airport, and more. You get the idea. One thing is certain about Chicago; you’re trip to will be a memorable one.
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