Chicago - Heritage of Chicago

Chicago, better known as the “Windy City”, is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The city of Chicago has a fascinating history, one that dates back to 1673, when Father Jacques Marquette, a French born missionary, and Louis Jolliet, a Canadian explorer were guided by a group of friendly Ottawa Indians to the land that would become known as Chicago. The first pioneer settler of Chicago was an African American from Haiti named Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. He was responsible for building the first enduring settlement near the mouth of the Mississippi River, very close to where the modern day Michigan Avenue Bridge stands. Du Sable had a big impact on Chicago’s first time events. He shared his home with an Indian wife and performed the first marriage ever in Chicago’s history. The first election was also held at this location, and it was also one of the staging areas for the first court laying down a foundation for justice. Du Sable’s influence in Chicago in the 1700’s began to form the story of a wonderful city that would grow in power and influence over the coming years. Du Sable also laid the groundwork for the rise of the African American population in Chicago.

In 1818, Illinois officially became a state, and by 1829 leaders of the state legislature appointed a large group of individuals to excavate a canal that would connect Chicago to the Mississippi River. James Thompson led this project by surveying the land, so that towns could be built and lots could be sold. The “Thompson Plat”, as it would become known, gave Chicago its first legal geographical spot on the map. The town of Chicago was very small at first, with a population of around 350 people in the year 1833. However, in 1837, Chicago was incorporated into a city with a population of 4,170. William B. Ogden was elected the first mayor of Chicago and eventually a police department was established, along with public schools for children. Chicago was on its way to greatness, but not without some devastating disasters along the way.

Chicago suffered one of its worst disasters on October 8th, 1871. It is not really known how the fire started at the Patrick O’ Leary cottage located on Chicago’s west side, but it spread very quickly, engulfing the business district and killing over 300 people, in addition to leaving almost 90,000 people homeless. The Great Fire of 1871 brought Chicago to its knees, but the city would bounce back from this terrible disaster, and by 1875 one could hardly notice that there was any type of fire at all.

Chicago is a strong city, one that has seen its share of good and bad. The famous mobster, Al Capone made his run here back in the 1930’s, when the Prohibition era was in full swing. Capone is kind of looked at as an icon to this day, even though his mob killed numerous people, who refused to purchase his bootlegged alcohol. Today, the city of Chicago stands firm and is a gorgeous place to live, work, and play. The weather is typically mild in the summer, but it does get hot from time to time, although every city does in the United States during the warmer months. The winter’s can be cold, but if you are a snow lover, then Chicago offers a picturesque scene this time of year, and a good chance of a White Christmas for all to enjoy. Spring brings gorgeous green lawns and soft gentle breezes off the southern end of Lake Michigan. Chicago also has some of the best pizza parlors in town. If you’re a pizza lover, then Chicago will win your heart and your taste buds! Thousands of tourists visit this beautiful city every year and take advantage of the Chicago charter boats, which offer food, fantasy, and fun. Individuals can take a wonderful Lake Michigan charter boat trip and sail across this beautiful lake with its breathtaking sights and cool refreshing breezes. So what are you waiting on? Come visit the historic city of Chicago and come explore the exciting enigmas that are in store for you!