When Did Chicago Actually Start Being Cool? (Hint: It wasn't 1837)
Let’s talk about Chicago, shall we? Not the windy city, but the one that started existing. You know, the one with tall buildings, deep-dish pizza, and a reputation for being colder than your ex's heart.
So, When Did This Whole Chicago Thing Begin?
You might think the answer is a simple, straightforward, "1837, duh!" But hold your horses, history buff! While that’s when Chicago officially became a city, it was more like a glorified mud puddle with a few ambitious people and a dream (probably involving real estate).
The real story starts way before that, with a guy named Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. This dude was basically the original "Chicagoan." He was chill, laid-back, and had the foresight to set up shop right where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan. Talk about prime real estate! So, while 1837 is the official birthday, let’s give a shoutout to Jean-Baptiste for throwing the first housewarming party.
Chicago: From Swamp to Skyscraper
Fast forward a bit (like, a few decades), and Chicago started to look less like a swamp and more like a city. People realized it was a pretty sweet spot for shipping and trade, so they started building stuff. And by "stuff," I mean wooden buildings that were basically tinderboxes waiting to happen.
But hey, that’s how you learn, right? The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 taught everyone a lesson about building with wood. It also gave architects a chance to experiment with new, fireproof materials. And that, my friends, is how we ended up with the iconic Chicago skyline.
Chicago: More Than Just Pizza and Deep Dish
Sure, Chicago is known for its food (deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, Italian beef – we could go on), but it's so much more than that. It's a city of culture, with world-class museums, theaters, and music. It's a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. And it's a city that knows how to throw a party.
So, the next time someone asks you when Chicago was established, you can impress them with your knowledge of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable and the Great Chicago Fire. Or you can just say, "It's been around for a while, and it's only getting better."
How to... Chicago
- How to order a Chicago-style hot dog: Don't ask for ketchup. Trust us.
- How to survive a Chicago winter: Layers, people. Layers.
- How to appreciate Chicago's architecture: Look up. Seriously, just look up.
- How to experience Chicago's nightlife: Check out Wicker Park, River North, or the Loop.
- How to find the best deep-dish pizza: Ask a local. They'll know.