Chicago Cubs MLB team logo

Chicago, IL is a windy city in the northeastern part of Illinois and at the southwestern tip of Lake Michigan. Due to its proximity to Lake Michigan, its history is directly tied up with the lake where in the early years it served as a trading center. In 1848, it became the most important transportation center with the opening of the first railway, the Galena & Chicago Union Railway. Trade flourished due to such developments and a lot of the Chicago Theatre people have relocated in the city that eventually gave rise to new industries, particularly in manufacturing and retail. However in 1871 tragedy struck, known as the Great Chicago Fire, that burned one-third of the city including the central business district. Many were pessimistic that Chicago could ever rise from the tragedy, yet with the help of the residents and the government, rapid rebuilding was organized and in 1885 the first skyscraper was built.

The 3rd largest city in the United States, Chicago has a population of more than 2 million with 9 million based in the metropolitan area. The increase in population was borne of the massive work and business opportunities Chicago offered. Chicagoans or the residents of Chicago comprise of a multitude of races including White, Black, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, Pacific Islander and Native American among others. A huge number of Chicagoans are Catholic while the rest are Protestants and other Christian denomination, Islam and Jewish.

The city of Chicago is popular for having the most number of unique buildings and structures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (Abraham Lincoln Center), Mies van der Rohe (United States Post Office Loop Station), Louis Sullivan (Carson Pirie Scott) and Holabird & Root (Commonwealth Edison Substation).

Some of the major attractions include Grant Park (with the statue of Abraham Lincoln, Clarence Buckingham Fountain and Millennium Park), Shedd Aquarium (exhibits of Oceanarium and Caribbean Reef), Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile (grand boulevard with its museums, restaurants, glamorous hotels and exclusive shops) and Sears Tower (one of the tallest buildings in the world).

What's Happening in Chicago

 

 

Ask Tom why: What are Chicago's five warmest winters and how much snow did each produce?
Dear Tom,




Read more
Thomas leads Maryland women past Georgia Tech
DULUTH, Ga. — Maryland coach Brenda Frese was delighted that Tianna Hawkins kept an accurate shooting touch while her fellow starters were struggling from the field.




Read more
Jackson: Asking fundraiser to buy plane ticket for woman did not violate ethics rules
Congressman defends actions amid probe linked to Blagojevich scandal

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. said Monday that he did not violate House ethics rules when he had a longtime friend and fundraiser buy a plane ticket for a woman who had a secret relationship with the congressman.




Read more
Crystal Lake District 47 eyes balanced budget
Officials say any cuts will come through attrition

Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District 47 has moved closer to a balanced budget after several years of spending cuts and deficit spending.




Read more
Burton R. Abrahams, 1922-2012
Commercial finance expert

Commercial finance expert Burton R. Abrahams helped his Chicago company expand its business around the world, establishing partnerships with banks and managing overseas operations in 26 countries.




Read more