I can't go on without mentioning my favorite era in history when referring to Chicago. "THE
ROARING TWENTIES," was one of the most important eras in the city. This was an era
where some of the most talented (and my personal favorite) poets and writers emerged.
Remarkably, it was also the era in which crime hit the streets of Chicago, the era of the
GANGSTERS!!!!
ROARING TWENTIES," was one of the most important eras in the city. This was an era
where some of the most talented (and my personal favorite) poets and writers emerged.
Remarkably, it was also the era in which crime hit the streets of Chicago, the era of the
GANGSTERS!!!!
What can I say about my hometown? I was born
and raised in the North-West side of the city and
wouldn't change it for the world! Chicago is a
great touristic city, with beautiful attractions,
amazing architecture, fascinating history and
exciting night life :)
Chicago is the third largest city in the U.S. and
our nation's leading industrial and
transportation center.
and raised in the North-West side of the city and
wouldn't change it for the world! Chicago is a
great touristic city, with beautiful attractions,
amazing architecture, fascinating history and
exciting night life :)
Chicago is the third largest city in the U.S. and
our nation's leading industrial and
transportation center.
Let's start off with a little Chicago history.... (ah history, my favorite subject.)
Well let's see, like every other state that was explored, this city's first residents, were the
Potawatomi Indians that lived near the little river they called the Checagou, which by the
way, is where the word Chicago was derived from. They were friendly and peaceful people
that traded with other nearby tribes by traveling across the river, to the Des Plaines River,
into the Illinois River which connects to the Mississippi River.
The first explorers which arrived here were Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette. By the late
1700's Du Sable arrived, establishing a trading post near the northern mouth of the river. By
this time, Chicago became a prosperous fur trading center. After some unfortunate wars, the
U.S. troops set up Fort Dearborn on the southern mouth of the river. (You can walk across
streets near the river today, and find many landmarked areas as locations of some historical
forts.)
After an Indian massacre of the fort and its surroundings in 1816, Illinois became a state in
1818. On March 4, 1837, Chicago became a city after Indians forcefully sold their land to the
U.S. Shortly after, the city prospered into a huge transportation and trade city, with a
shipping canal and new railroad system.
On the evening of October 8, 1871, one of Chicago's most important, yet tragic events occured,
what is known as, "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE." A fire started on the Southwest Side of
the city which historians believe began in a barn owned by Mrs. Patrick O'Leary. Legend
says one of Mrs. O'Leary's cows knocked over a lantern in the barn. Due to the strong winds,
the flames raced to the north, all through the city. The fire went over the River chasing
families through the city. People were forced to evacuate into the chilli waters of the Lake.
The fire lasted more than 24 hours, wiping out all of the downtown area, and most of the
Northside. The fire killed at least 300 people, destroyed $200 million dollars worth of
property, and left more than 90,000 homeless.
Well let's see, like every other state that was explored, this city's first residents, were the
Potawatomi Indians that lived near the little river they called the Checagou, which by the
way, is where the word Chicago was derived from. They were friendly and peaceful people
that traded with other nearby tribes by traveling across the river, to the Des Plaines River,
into the Illinois River which connects to the Mississippi River.
The first explorers which arrived here were Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette. By the late
1700's Du Sable arrived, establishing a trading post near the northern mouth of the river. By
this time, Chicago became a prosperous fur trading center. After some unfortunate wars, the
U.S. troops set up Fort Dearborn on the southern mouth of the river. (You can walk across
streets near the river today, and find many landmarked areas as locations of some historical
forts.)
After an Indian massacre of the fort and its surroundings in 1816, Illinois became a state in
1818. On March 4, 1837, Chicago became a city after Indians forcefully sold their land to the
U.S. Shortly after, the city prospered into a huge transportation and trade city, with a
shipping canal and new railroad system.
On the evening of October 8, 1871, one of Chicago's most important, yet tragic events occured,
what is known as, "THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE." A fire started on the Southwest Side of
the city which historians believe began in a barn owned by Mrs. Patrick O'Leary. Legend
says one of Mrs. O'Leary's cows knocked over a lantern in the barn. Due to the strong winds,
the flames raced to the north, all through the city. The fire went over the River chasing
families through the city. People were forced to evacuate into the chilli waters of the Lake.
The fire lasted more than 24 hours, wiping out all of the downtown area, and most of the
Northside. The fire killed at least 300 people, destroyed $200 million dollars worth of
property, and left more than 90,000 homeless.
The opportunity to rebuild a city was the
opportunity some of the finest architects
were searching for. In 1884, the World's
first skyscraper was built. Many more
projects developed through the years
helping Chicago become, the nation's
architectural capital, which I'm sure you
can admire from the picture :)
opportunity some of the finest architects
were searching for. In 1884, the World's
first skyscraper was built. Many more
projects developed through the years
helping Chicago become, the nation's
architectural capital, which I'm sure you
can admire from the picture :)
Some facts about Chicago...
Has 2 airports: O'Hare International Airport andMidway Airport
Has 2 baseball teams: WHITE SOX, and Da' CUBS
Has 2 seasons: Winter and summer (only hot and cold temperatures!!! LOL)
Has 2 twin buildings: The twin towers of Marina City
Has 2 zoos: Brookfield Zoo, and Lincoln Park Zoo
Has 2 of the World's tallest buildings: Sears Towers and John Hancock Building
(enough of the 2's already...)
Has 1 of the largest(or is the largest)convention centers: McCormick Place Convention Center
Has 1 building that ever survived the Chicago Fire: The Water Tower
Has 1 of the largest( or world's largest) Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier
Has 1 basketball team: Da' BULLS
Has 1 soccer team: CHICAGO FIRE
Has 1 football team: Da' BEARS
Has 1 hockey team: BLACKHAWKS
If you ever decide to visit Chicago, let me mention some of my favorite places to visit!
MUSEUMS:
1. FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: This museum has exhibits of mounted
animals, life sized displays of pre-historic people and dinosaur skeletons.
2. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY: This huge museum explains some mysteries of
chemistry and physics, has an operation coal mine, a WWII German submarine and many
interesting exhibits.
3. ORIENTAL INSTITUTE: Has many wonderful exhibits on Egyptians artifacts.
4. THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: Is known as one of the world's best museums. It has
an outstanding collection of art, mostly famous for its huge collection of French Impressionist
art.
5. MUSEO DE BELLAS ARTES MEXICANAS: A collection of Mexican- Folklore art.
6. DU SABLE MUSEUM; Museum of African- American history.
7. CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Traces the Chicago area's history from the Ice Age to
modern times.
8. CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: New museum located at Navy Pier (sorry, no description, haven't
been there yet!)
8. JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM: Has about 4,600 fish species. A few beluga whales, and a
few dolphins.
9. ADLER PLANETARIUM: A planetarium that depicts the movements of the heavenly
bodies in its domed theater.
RECREATION:
1. LAKE MICHIGAN! Go swimming at the Lake!
2. NAVY PIER: Has an incredible view of the lake, has a botanical garden, Children's
Museum, largest ferris wheel, live music, IMAX Theater, boat rides, and plenty of more
entertainment!!! My favorite place :)
3. BROOKFIELD ZOO: Exhibits animals in their natural settings, has a porpoise show, and
the children's zoo has baby animals.
4. LINCOLN PARK ZOO: Chicago's largest park. Includes the main zoo, a children's zoo, a
conservatory, and lagoons.
5. SIX FLAGS THEME PARK: Large theme park with exciting roller-coasters like the
American Eagle, Batman, Viper, Shockwave....
6. BUCKINGHAM MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN: Located in Grant Park, one of the largest lighted
fountains in the World, colorful lights illuminate the fountain each evening.
7. SEARS TOWERS: 110 floors!!! Visitors can only go up to the 103rd floor, a public
observatory deck which gives an amazing view of the entire city. It is theWorld's tallest
building, well a building in Asia is actually taller because of its antenna's but the Sears Towers
holds the record for the most floors!
8. JOHN HANCOCK BUILDING: Second tallest builing in our city, also has a great view of
the city and Lake Shore Drive.
9. WATER TOWER PLACE: The Water Tower building was the only bulding that survived
The Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Is conveniently located near most of the best stores on
Michigan Ave.
10. BOAT RIDES: There are several boats that take you on a ride of the lake, from the Shedd
Aquarium to Navy Pier or vice versa, or boats that take you along the Chicago River.
Well these are some of my favorite places to visit, and here are some pics too! There are many
other places to visit, but these are just a few of my favorite...
Has 2 airports: O'Hare International Airport andMidway Airport
Has 2 baseball teams: WHITE SOX, and Da' CUBS
Has 2 seasons: Winter and summer (only hot and cold temperatures!!! LOL)
Has 2 twin buildings: The twin towers of Marina City
Has 2 zoos: Brookfield Zoo, and Lincoln Park Zoo
Has 2 of the World's tallest buildings: Sears Towers and John Hancock Building
(enough of the 2's already...)
Has 1 of the largest(or is the largest)convention centers: McCormick Place Convention Center
Has 1 building that ever survived the Chicago Fire: The Water Tower
Has 1 of the largest( or world's largest) Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier
Has 1 basketball team: Da' BULLS
Has 1 soccer team: CHICAGO FIRE
Has 1 football team: Da' BEARS
Has 1 hockey team: BLACKHAWKS
If you ever decide to visit Chicago, let me mention some of my favorite places to visit!
MUSEUMS:
1. FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: This museum has exhibits of mounted
animals, life sized displays of pre-historic people and dinosaur skeletons.
2. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY: This huge museum explains some mysteries of
chemistry and physics, has an operation coal mine, a WWII German submarine and many
interesting exhibits.
3. ORIENTAL INSTITUTE: Has many wonderful exhibits on Egyptians artifacts.
4. THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: Is known as one of the world's best museums. It has
an outstanding collection of art, mostly famous for its huge collection of French Impressionist
art.
5. MUSEO DE BELLAS ARTES MEXICANAS: A collection of Mexican- Folklore art.
6. DU SABLE MUSEUM; Museum of African- American history.
7. CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Traces the Chicago area's history from the Ice Age to
modern times.
8. CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: New museum located at Navy Pier (sorry, no description, haven't
been there yet!)
8. JOHN G. SHEDD AQUARIUM: Has about 4,600 fish species. A few beluga whales, and a
few dolphins.
9. ADLER PLANETARIUM: A planetarium that depicts the movements of the heavenly
bodies in its domed theater.
RECREATION:
1. LAKE MICHIGAN! Go swimming at the Lake!
2. NAVY PIER: Has an incredible view of the lake, has a botanical garden, Children's
Museum, largest ferris wheel, live music, IMAX Theater, boat rides, and plenty of more
entertainment!!! My favorite place :)
3. BROOKFIELD ZOO: Exhibits animals in their natural settings, has a porpoise show, and
the children's zoo has baby animals.
4. LINCOLN PARK ZOO: Chicago's largest park. Includes the main zoo, a children's zoo, a
conservatory, and lagoons.
5. SIX FLAGS THEME PARK: Large theme park with exciting roller-coasters like the
American Eagle, Batman, Viper, Shockwave....
6. BUCKINGHAM MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN: Located in Grant Park, one of the largest lighted
fountains in the World, colorful lights illuminate the fountain each evening.
7. SEARS TOWERS: 110 floors!!! Visitors can only go up to the 103rd floor, a public
observatory deck which gives an amazing view of the entire city. It is theWorld's tallest
building, well a building in Asia is actually taller because of its antenna's but the Sears Towers
holds the record for the most floors!
8. JOHN HANCOCK BUILDING: Second tallest builing in our city, also has a great view of
the city and Lake Shore Drive.
9. WATER TOWER PLACE: The Water Tower building was the only bulding that survived
The Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Is conveniently located near most of the best stores on
Michigan Ave.
10. BOAT RIDES: There are several boats that take you on a ride of the lake, from the Shedd
Aquarium to Navy Pier or vice versa, or boats that take you along the Chicago River.
Well these are some of my favorite places to visit, and here are some pics too! There are many
other places to visit, but these are just a few of my favorite...
The prohibition of alcohol with the 18th amendment led to the
practice of bootlegging, the illegal distribution of alcohol. Most
people drank illegally in clubs called speakeasies, which were
mainly run by gansters. Since so many gansters became
involved, more crime hit the streets with the gang-related
murders that occured to take control of all the bootlegging and
gamblings that went on. One of the most notorious gansters
that ever lived was Al "Scarface" Capone. He and his gang
controlled the "underworld" of Chicago with their illegal
distribution through the city. In 1929, his gang was blamed for
the one of the worst murders of their time, The St. Valetine's
Day Massacre. Four gangsters dressed as policeman shot 7
members of a rival gang. That murder gave Chicago the
reputation for crime and violence that still lives on today. After
serving time in the ALCATRAZ prison, Al Capone retired to
his home in Florida, where he died of syphillis.
practice of bootlegging, the illegal distribution of alcohol. Most
people drank illegally in clubs called speakeasies, which were
mainly run by gansters. Since so many gansters became
involved, more crime hit the streets with the gang-related
murders that occured to take control of all the bootlegging and
gamblings that went on. One of the most notorious gansters
that ever lived was Al "Scarface" Capone. He and his gang
controlled the "underworld" of Chicago with their illegal
distribution through the city. In 1929, his gang was blamed for
the one of the worst murders of their time, The St. Valetine's
Day Massacre. Four gangsters dressed as policeman shot 7
members of a rival gang. That murder gave Chicago the
reputation for crime and violence that still lives on today. After
serving time in the ALCATRAZ prison, Al Capone retired to
his home in Florida, where he died of syphillis.
Nightlife, view of the city and river
Navy Pier
Buckingham Fountain
John Hancock Building
Water Tower
Sears Tower Building
| This is Michigan Avenue, my favorite Street! You can do some of the best shopping on this walk. There's everything from Express, Nordstrom's, Bloomingdales, Guess, GAP, Kenneth Cole... everything!!!! |
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