Unique Facts about Chicago
A beautiful city in Illinois with wonderful landmarks, and phenomenal skyscrapers. A city which has a lot to offer to its tourists, and even local residents. Diverse people in a place where you can shop, dine, do exciting activities, and all other fun stuff that you could imagine can be found in this multicultural city.
Here are some facts that you might not know yet about the wonderful city of Chicago.
1.Chicago is known for many names
Undeniably, This amazing city has different nicknames. Here are some of them :
The Windy City - This nickname came from a metaphorical use of the word “windy” , which means boastful and long-windedness.
City in the Garden - “Urbs in horto” in Latin phrase. Proven, when you stroll along Michigan avenue and find the beautiful Marigolds..
City of Bullets- A nickname referring to the 1903 crime.
Paris of the Prairie- Given by Daniel Burnham during the first visionary plan for the City, although most of it was not completed, the city still has boulevards and parks sir to Paris.
The City that works- “This is a working city, an immigrant city, and there’s just something about the Blackhawks that inspires everyone out there. They work at it. They give 100 percent on the ice, and that’s what Chicago’s all about.”- Mayor Richard Daley.
My Kind of town - Thanks to the song of Frank Sinatra “my Kind of Town”, everyone refers to Chicago now as their own kind of town .
The Second City- It was an insult used in an article of New Yorker AJ Liebling in 1950s, believing that Chicago and its people are only second class, until the name has transformed to “Second to None”, when all was changed and made the entire city better.
2. The Chicago river is the only river in the whole world that flows backwards.
As the city began to grow with industrialization,the river was mistreated and polluted. Serious outbreaks and other water borne diseases affected the people , as Lake Michigan has always been the main supply of water. The idea itself to reverse the flow of the river from the lake was first unintentionally attempted when Illinois and Michigan canal was deepened. Construction began then on a new canal to join the Des Plaines river and Chicago river. With the use of gravity to make the water flow from the deepening canal, then into another river., that was the simple idea of it making it happen.
3. “The Loop” as what downtown Chicago is known.
From the Looping routes of streetcars as the mode of transit during the early years of Chicago to the modern route of elevated train tracks, this is how the downtown of Chicago got its nickname. This is the most iconic section of the city, as you can see
the finest architectures, and tallest skyscrapers, 2nd largest central business district and has the biggest music festivals celebrated annually.
4: The popular elevated railway transit was first installed in Chicago.
Opened in 1892, the” L” started operating carrying a couple of people from the 39th street station to the Congress Street Terminal in just 14 minutes. Chicago was the first to have a permission to build an elevated railway for passengers.
5: Food that originated in Chicago
Twinkies
This yummy snack will certainly be enjoyed not only by kids, but also those who wants to remember their childhood days.More like a comfort food, this American Snack is a small, soft, golden sponge cake with a delicious creamy filling.
Italian Beef
It may be messy to eat because it is drippy and unique , but for sure. It will make you ask for more.Originated from this wonderful city, the Italian beef is made up of seasoned roast beef that are sliced , simmered and served with “gravy”.
Chicago Hotdog
This “chicagodog” contains 7 toppings which make it even more satisfying and mouthwatering . In the following order are the toppings: Yellow Mustard, Neon Green Relish, Fresh Chopped Onions, Two Tomato Wedges, Pickle spear, Two sport peppers and Celery salt.
Frozen desserts
From waffle ice cream sandwiches to gelatos, or funnel cake sundaes, these treats will surely keep you cool especially during summer.
Started in 1891, as a freebie to every soap and baking soda sold to William Wringley Jr. in Chicago. Up until now, this remains a number one fruit gum brand in the U.S.
Deep Dish Pizza
This specialty is cooked in a deep dish cake pan. It is said to have high edges to have enough space for more chunks of tomato sauce and CHEESE!
Jibarito
This was amazingly introduced first in Humboldt Park Borinquen restaurant and now it is in demand and being served all over the city. An authentic Puerto Rican sandwich that is made of flattened plantains to replace the bread and any of your favorite delicious sandwich fixings inside
6.Things invented in Chicago
The wonderful innovations of Chicago has been providing a great impact to the entire world since 1833. Here are some of the best inventions.
The Cellphone (1973)
Wireless remote control (1955)
The First Skyscraper (1885) Use of steel beams as frame for buildings was discovered by architect William Le Branch. It was used to this first ever steel frame skyscraper that is 138 feet tall and ten stories high.
The Vacuum cleaner ( 1868)
This cleaning equipment, invented by Ives W. McGaffey, is definitely helpful and best used by the awesome cleaning services in Chicago until today.
Zipper ( 1893)
Mechanical Dishwasher ( 1886)
Ferris Wheel (1893)
The Original wheel or also called as The Chicago wheel, was constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. It continues to be an attraction that surely amuses people at all ages. No wonder why The Centennial wheel looks perfectly amazing, Isn’t it?
7.The shoreline along Lake Michigan is man-made
Barriers have been created and constructed to protect the shoreline from erosion back in 1830’s. This 28 mile Lake Michigan shoreline is amazingly man-made. It helps withstand not only the waves but also the wind and he effects of each season change.
These above are just some facts a lot may not know, that definitely amazed us and added reasons why we should truly adore the wonderful city of Chicago.