Chicago history

Chicago, founded in 1833, rapidly grew into a major city due to its strategic location near the Great Lakes and on key transportation routes. It became a hub for industry and trade, especially in meatpacking and manufacturing. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 devastated much of the city, leading to a rebuilding boom with innovative architecture. Chicago hosted the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, showcasing its cultural and technological progress. Throughout the 20th century, it became known for its diverse immigrant communities, jazz and blues music, and distinct neighborhoods, shaping its unique identity as a dynamic urban center.