Located in the state of Illinois, Chicago is the United State’s third largest city with a population of over 2.7 million people. Chicago was incorporated as a city in the year 1837. The city is also known as
The City of Big Shoulders,
The Windy City,
The City That Works and
The Second City. Today, the city has become an international hub for commerce, finance, technology, industry, transportation and telecommunications.
Image by Jleon and Mcshadypl via Wikimedia Commons
History of Chicago
The Black Hawk War ended in the year 1832 and Chicago became a town in the year 1833 and was included as a city in the year 1837. A fire took place in October 1870 and destroyed nearly one-third of Chicago. However the city was rebuilt with an utmost priority by its people and travelers. The city grew as a national retail center during the late 1800s.
Many African-American migrants came to Chicago from the South during the World War I. They brought along with them Chicago’s versions of blues and jazz. Between 1917 and 1921 tensions between the newcomers and established Polish Irish, and German ethnic groups of Chicago aroused which lead to a series of bombings of African-American homes and also a an eight-day race riot in the year 1919. Today, Chicago has turned out to be major hub for trade and commerce in the United States.
Important Locations of Chicago
Chicago is one of the
best tourist places in the United states. The city offers stunning tourist places like the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier and Buckingham Fountain. Some Important Location in Chicago are mentioned below:
Magnificent Mile: The Magnificent Mile is also sometimes referred to as the Mag Mile. The Magnificent Mile in Chicago is one of world’s great avenues. Mag Mile is one of the top 10 retail and dining destinations in the world. This complex is home to number of top rated hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, majestic architecture, lively entertainment and natural beauty.
Click here to know more about Magnificent Mile.
State Street: It is Chicago’s large south-north street and is well known as the city’s top shopping center. During the 1900s, the State Street became a great shopping destination in Chicago.
Chicago Cultural Center: The landmark building in the heart of Chicago where all the diplomatic dignitaries are welcomed by the mayor. This venue hosts cultural events, free music, dance and theater making it the most visited destination in Chicago.
Click here to know more about Chicago Cultural Center.
Navy Pier: Located on the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Chicago, it is one of the most visited travel destination in the Midwest. This non-profit corporation was established in 2011 to look after the redevelopment of one of the most important civic landmarks in the nation.
Click here to know more about Navy Pier.
Buckingham Fountain: The fountain is one of the most popular landmarks of Chicago. The Fountain is officially known as the 'Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain'. Buckingham Fountain is located at the center in Grant Park. It is also one of the world’s largest fountains.
Click here to know more about Buckingham Fountain.
Are you planning a vacation to Chicago? This guide will help you to plan your trip better.
People and Culture of Chicago
The unique Culture of Chicago is reflected in their diverse ethnic groups. Chicago’s main ethnic groups include German, Irish, Polish, Italian, Chinese, and Mexican. Chicago also has an equal percentage of Whites, African-Americans and a Hispanic minority groups. The Chicago Metropolitan area is soon turning out to be an important center for Indian-Americans and South Asians people. The people living in Chicago are also called Chicagoans. Chicago is known for its theater scene. Chicago is also a home to two renowned comedy troupes namely I.O and the Second City. The people of Chicago are great music lovers and the city is famous for its Chicago soul, Chicago blues, Gospel and Jazz. Various ethnic foods of the city showcase its ethnic and working-class roots.
Time Zones and Phone Codes of Chicago
Chicago is in the Central Standard Time. Central Standard Time is abbreviated as CDT and Central Standard Time is abbreviated as CST.
- Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -6 hours
- Daylight Saving Time: 1 hour
- Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -5 hour
- Time zone abbreviation: CDT
Phone Code of Chicago
Chicago dial code: 1 312
Did You Know? Some Interesting facts about Chicago
Best Time to Visit Chicago
Chicago can be visited during April and May in Spring or during September and October in fall. The temperature during this month is warm and the rates of the hotels are also reasonable. During the spring and fall season, it's festivities galore in this gem city of mid-west. Chicago is flocked by tourist in the summer months. The city experiences a very cold weather with snowfall from the month of November to December. So traveling to Chicago during this time of the year is not preferable. But however, if you can bear the cold, you will find cheapest deals in airfare and hotels.
April-May
Seasonal Events and Festivals in Chicago
June-October
Chicago Air & Water Show (August)
Taste of Chicago (July)
Puerto Rico and Festivals (June)
Chicago Blues Festival (June)
Chicago Fringe Festival
(August-September)
Chicago International Film Festival (October)
Oktoberfest Chicago (September)
Hyde Park Jazz Festival (September)
November-March
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (November-January)
Chinese New Year (January-February)
Christkindlmarket (November-December)
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (November)
Guide to a perfect holiday in Chicago
