A brief History of Chicago

Louis Jolliet, a Canadian explorer and the French-born Jesuit Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to discover the Chicago area in 1673 with the help of local Indians.

The first permanent settlement was founded in 1781 by Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, an African American from Santo Domingo. The location at the mouth of the Chicago river was chosen for its strategic value for a trading post as the river connected the Lake with the Mississippi river. Later the area at the mouth of the Chicago river was occupied by a military base, Fort Dearborn. The Fort was regularly atacked by Native Americans, until Chief Black Hawk was defeated in 1832. One year later, Chicago was officially incorporated as a town and four years later, when the population reached 4170, as a city. Its name was derived from the native indian's word describing the area.

On October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed most of the city's central area. It started in the lumber district on the city's West Side. Mrs. O'Leary's cow allegedly knocked over a kerosene lamp that started the fire. By October 10, the fire had destroyed nearly four square miles of the city, claimed at least 250 lives and left 100,000 residents homeless. More than 17,000 buildings were destroyed and property damages were estimated at $200 million.

Painting of the great Chicago Fire

An image of fire fighters trying to put out the fire

An image of what Chicago looked like after the fire.

After the fire, a greater Chicago emerged. Internationally acclaimed architects flocked to the city for its reconstruction. Within a few years, Chicago was resurrected and chosen to host the 1893 World Columbian Exposition for 27.5 million visitors.

At the close of the Exposition, the city experienced a financial decline. However, Chicago reorganized to grow and once again to become economically sound.

Today, Chicago is a dynamic and culturally diverse city. It is an international center for both business and leisure travel, due in part to the city’s transportation accessibility, a thriving business community, and world-class hotels, restaurants, shopping and attractions.

Chicago City