So, How Old is Chicago? Asking for a Friend (Probably a Deep Dish Pizza)
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, brutal winters, and some of the best darn pizza you'll ever shove in your face. But have you ever stopped to wonder, between dodging tourists and admiring the bean (officially called Cloud Gate, but come on), just how old this fair metropolis is?
Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating, and sometimes confusing, history of Chicago's age. Spoiler alert: it's a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure situation.
Settling the Score: From Humble Beginnings to Booming City
There are two main ways to look at Chicago's age, depending on how you define a "city."
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The "We Just Wanna Party" Approach (1837): This is the official incorporation date of Chicago as a city. Back in 1837, there were only about 4,000 residents, which wouldn't even fill Wrigley Field on a good day. But hey, they had the ambition (and probably a serious case of wanderlust) to declare themselves a city, and that's what counts, right?
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The "We Were Here First" Argument (1780s): If you ask some folks, they'll tell you Chicago's story starts much earlier. Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a Haitian fur trader, is considered by many to be the founder of Chicago. He set up shop around the 1780s, meaning there was definitely someone enjoying Chicago's deep dish way before 1837.
So, how old is Chicago? It depends on who you ask!
- 187 years old: If you go with the official city incorporation date.
- Over 200 years old: If you consider Jean Baptiste Point du Sable's arrival.
Bonus Fun Fact: The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 might have set the city back a bit, but like a true Chicagoan, it just emerged from the ashes stronger than ever.
The Takeaway: Age Ain't Nothing But a Number (Especially When You Have Deep Dish)
No matter how you slice it (pun intended!), Chicago has a rich and vibrant history. From its humble beginnings to its status as a major metropolis, the Windy City has come a long way.
So, next time you're chowing down on a Chicago-style deep dish (because, let's be honest, that's probably why you were curious about the city's age in the first place), remember you're indulging in a place steeped in history.
And who knows, maybe that extra cheesy slice tastes even better knowing it comes from a city with some serious staying power.
