Chicago, the Windy City, a place of deep-dish pizza, towering skyscrapers, and a bluesy soul.
But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find a treasure trove of surprising stories and quirky charms. Let’s dive in!
- The Great Chicago Reversal: In 1900, engineers pulled off an incredible feat: reversing the flow of the Chicago River to protect Lake Michigan‘s water supply.
- Ferris Wheel Pioneer: The world’s first Ferris wheel debuted at Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, forever changing amusement park history.
- Deep Dish Origins: While its inventor is debated, deep-dish pizza truly became a Chicago phenomenon in the 1940s at Pizzeria Uno.
- Second City Roots: Chicago is an epicenter of improv and sketch comedy, with the famed Second City theater nurturing countless comedic legends.
- Home of the Twinkie: This golden, cream-filled snack was invented at a bakery in the Chicago area.
- The Original Brownie: Chicago claims bragging rights to the first brownie recipe, created for the 1893 World’s Fair.
- Mail-Order Marvel: Montgomery Ward, the first major mail-order company, began in Chicago and revolutionized retail.
- Reverse Skyscrapers: Chicago is home to some unique underground skyscrapers, built to accommodate the city’s soft soil.
- The Bean’s Real Name: Chicago’s beloved reflective sculpture is officially titled “Cloud Gate,” but you won’t hear locals call it that.
- “Mudpuppy” Mascots: The hellbender, a giant salamander, was once so common in the Chicago River that it was a local mascot!
- Sweet Home Chicago Blues: The city played a pivotal role in the development of electric blues music, fostering legends like Muddy Waters.
- Birthplace of the Cell Phone: Motorola, based in the Chicago area, gave the world the first handheld mobile phone in 1973.
- Double-Decker Delight: Chicago boasts scenic double-decker bus tours and even some double-decker commuter trains.
- Candy Capital: Chicago is a hub of candy production, with giants like Wrigley and Ferrara calling it home.
- Reversal of Fortune, Take Two: Believe it or not, due to natural processes, the Chicago River may eventually flow back into Lake Michigan, undoing the engineering of 1900!