It was founded in 1837 and is now widely referred to as “little America.” The city exemplifies American culture, including skyscrapers, gastronomy, nature, adventure, architecture, and, of course, history. These are the things for which Chicago is famous. Originally a tiny trading post, the city is now considered as the key hub of America’s trading, transportation, and telecommunications activity.
The origins of Chicago’s well-known moniker are unclear. The most obvious explanation is that it is caused by the freezing winds that blow in from Lake Michigan and wash through the city. Another popular storey claims it was coined in response to Chicago’s ranting people and politicians, who were thought to be “full of hot air.”
Here are nine fascinating facts about this magnificent American metropolis.
Chicago River
The world’s only river that runs backwards. The Chicago River, which runs through downtown Chicago, has an interesting history. Chicago successfully changed the course of the Chicago River in 1900, causing it to pour into the Mississippi River rather than Lake Michigan. This river not only goes through many systems and canals, but it is also the world’s only river that flows backwards.
For sanitation purposes, a reversal procedure was implemented to shift sewage away from Lake Michigan’s water source. The river’s reversal was hailed as the largest public earth-moving project ever accomplished. It was also hailed as a significant engineering feat. This was regarded as an extremely tough and innovative technical project. Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, the Chicago River is colored green.
Famous skyscrapers
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57616189/GettyImages_598967370.12.jpg)
Without a doubt, Chicago is also recognized for its famous skyscrapers. Many of the country’s tallest structures are located in the city, which continues to make the country’s other urban rivals envious. The town is home to the inaugural tallest structure in the United States, the “Willis Tower.” The skyscraper, which has 110 floors and was completed in 1974, stands at a height of 1451 feet.
The city of Chicago is also known as the origin of the skyscraper. Some of the country’s oldest skyscrapers may be found in this location. Four of the ten highest buildings in the United States are located in Chicago.
The Trump International Hotel Tower (Chicago’s second tallest building) and the Aon Center, a modern supertall skyscraper, are two of the most noteworthy examples. Some of the city’s specialized towers are the John Hancock Center and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower. The iconic Chicago water tower, which nearly escaped the Great Fire of 1871, now proudly stands among the must-see sights in the city.
Lake Michigan Beaches
You can’t envision a tour of Chicago city that doesn’t end with a visit to the same Lake Michigan beaches. Lake Michigan’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world. Such a beach is North Avenue Beach. The legendary beach offers the ideal visual combination of the Lake and the city lights. In fact, it’s the ideal time to enjoy both the tranquilly of the lake and the bustle of the city.
In addition to North Avenue Beach, which proudly hosts the international beach volleyball competition on occasion, there are several beaches around Lake Michigan’s shoreline that are worth visiting. Oak Street Beach, Rainbow Beach and Park, 57th Street Beach, Foster Avenue Beach, Oakwood Beach, South Shore Beach, and Montrose Beach are some of the most popular beaches in the area.
You can also enjoy strolling along the beaches, outdoor yoga, sunbathing, and cycling, which will provide you with the entire Chicago experience.
Cuisine
Chicago wants to share a taste of its fantastic food and summer vibes. The Taste of Chicago attracts visitors from all over the world who come to taste local fare at the city’s largest outdoor food event. Visitors can enjoy not just food but also music performances by local musicians and celebrities.
Delicious Dishes You can’t overlook Chicago’s prominence when it comes to cuisine perception. Just try the city’s famous deep-dish pizza (also known as Chicago pizza) and Chicago-style hot dogs, which have their own distinct flavour. Giordanos, Unos, Lou Malnati’s, and Ginos have some of the best pizza collections in Chicago.
If you haven’t heard of Jibarito sandwiches, you’re probably new to the city. Jibaritos sandwiches are unique in that they are produced without bread and instead contain meats, cheese, lettuce, and occasionally tomato, all of which will make your mouth wet.
Another feature of this enormous city is the Chicago doughnut, which is a must-try if you want to sample an old-fashioned Chicago delight. Although these Doughnuts are crisp and vanilla bean-coated, they may be enjoyed at any time to receive a true experience of the city.
The Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are a well-known professional American basketball team that competes in the National Basketball Association (NBA) (National Basketball Association). This franchise, which was created on January 16, 1966, has won numerous championships and is most recognized for having one of the NBA’s greatest dynasties.
The Chicago Bulls were formed by Dick Klein and have a record of never losing a game in the NBA finals. From 1991 through 1998, the Chicago Bulls won six NBA titles in seven years, which was also their greatest era.
All of these championships were headed by Michael Jordan, a legendary basketball player who hails from Chicago. This was also the first season in which a team won 72 games. The Chicago Bulls’ logo was developed by Theodore “Ted” W. Drake, and it depicts blood on the bull’s horns. This team also has a dedicated fan following that backs them up during their difficult times.
Architecture
When it comes to architecture, one name that comes to mind is Frank Lloyd Wright, a well-known American architect who is responsible for some of the city’s most stunning structures. In the outside world, Wright’s interior decor marvels are not an exception. However, the best of its production may be seen in the heart of Chicago, where he mostly practices his art. Wright introduced the Prairie Styles of homes, which are now found in the majority of Chicagoans’ residences, resulting in the city’s dominant specialty. The dwellings in this category combine harmony, humanity, and the environment in a unique way.
When we talk about architecture, there are a few things that come to mind. What’s most fascinating are the old, majestic castles that serve as reminders of the region’s rich history.
The most prominent examples of these organic architectures may be seen in the homes of Chicago’s upper and middle classes. Wright’s artworks include Robie House, Rookery, Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio, and Charnley-Persky House.
Museums
Of course, the city built a name for itself by having some of the best quirky museums in the country. The International Museum of Surgical Science is one of the greatest Offbeat Museums in Chicago to visit while on your search for the best Offbeat Museums in Chicago. It is a world-class museum featuring antique equipment and fascinating displays on the history of medical science. It was founded in 1954 and is located in the Gold Coast district.
With thousands of pin-up buttons on exhibit at the Busy Beaver Button Museum, you may simply pin up. The Chicago Sports Museum is a must-see for anyone in a fun spirit. Rush to the more recent American Writers Museum with its interactive displays to gain a better appreciation of American literature.
Above all, don’t miss a visit to the world-famous Art Institute of Chicago. One of the oldest and largest museums in the United States, and one of the most popular with tourists. The Field Museum of Natural History and the Adler Planetarium are two other noteworthy museums.
Jazz music
For many years, Chicago has been known for its legendary music, such as blues, jazz, rock & roll, and hip-hop music. As we all know, music unifies the world, and Chicago is the birthplace of electronic music, which is still banging many heads now with its gorgeous traditional instrumental sounds.
Orchestras began to acquire prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, thanks to the popularity of Chicago-based musicians such as the Chicago Sinfonietta, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. These musicians have had a significant impact on the popularity of jazz music.
Jazz music has a long history in the music industry, dating back to the mid-1930s when Mc Kinley, better known as Muddy Waters, took gospel music to new heights in Chicago, earning him the title of “Father of Modern Chicago Blues.”
The Harold Washington Library Center
The Harold Washington Library Center is the Chicago Public Library System’s main library. When it opened in 1991, the Harold Washington Library Center, which houses over 6.5 million books, was the world’s largest municipal library. It is located just south of the Loop ‘L’ at 400 S. State Street in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is an ADA-compliant full-service library.
It features free Wi-Fi internet access, just like the rest of the Chicago Public Library system. The structure has a total area of 756,000 square feet of office space. The entire square footage, including the rooftop winter-garden penthouse, is roughly 972,000 square feet. Harold Washington was the inspiration for the name.