Located on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan at a short distance from the Mississippi river, Chicago was destined to become a thriving metropolis. Due to a booming manufacturing industry, mainly in the meatpacking sector, Chicago was well on its way to becoming America’s signature city when it was devastated by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Although the fire wreaked havoc on the town, the city proved to be resilient, and came back stronger than ever. In 1885 Chicago gave host to the world’s first skyscraper, and in 1893 The Chicago’s World Fair was held, an event that led to innovative new architectural styles in the city, and truly put Chicago on the global radar.
However, it was not until the 1920s that Chicago would endure its most infamous period. Fueled by the bootlegging industry during Prohibition, Al Capone and other gangsters gave the Windy City a reputation as a lawless, swinging town, an image the city has never truly shaken.
These days Chicago is regarded as perhaps the most quintessentially American city. Current mayor Richard M. Daley has devoted much of his time in office to beautifying the city and creating parks, and the results have been incredible.
The parks have been host to numerous free concerts over the years, and the retooling of Chicago’s physical image has led to a recent boom in tourism. Chicago has a bustling local marketplace, if you are looking to buy and sell with locals, just visit one. Nonetheless, Chicago has never really strayed from its roots as its still maintains its working class ideals it was founded on, and celebrates its outlaw reputation with lively jazz music and its hometown pride in Al Capone. Chicago will continue to evolve in the future, but seemingly it will never forget its roots.