Chicago: Information Resource Portal

Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the United States (after New York City and Los Angeles) and the largest city in Illinois. Founded in 1833 as a frontier town at the mouth of the Chicago River, the city today is the economic and cultural capital of the Midwest. Historically a transportation hub, it is the only city in North America in which all six Class I railroads meet. O'Hare International Airport, owned by the City of Chicago, is the world's busiest based on aircraft landings and takeoffs.

Chicago is located in northeastern Illinois along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. The downtown area, commonly referred to as "The Loop", is the site of some of the world's most recognizable buildings, including the tallest building in North America, the Sears Tower. The first steel-framed skyscraper in the world was constructed in Chicago in 1885.

The name of the city is believed to have been adapted from the indigenous tribes that called the marshes in the area "checagou" though some claim the word was used to denote anything great or powerful.

Chicago is subject to extreme, volatile weather conditions. Summers are hot, humid, with periods of severe thunderstorms. Winters are relatively dry, but can be bitterly cold and windy.

Chicago is the home to many great museums. The Grant Park area includes the Art Institute of Chicago, the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium. The Museum of Science and Industry is located near Hyde Park. Major sports teams include the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox (baseball), Chicago Bulls (basketball), Chicago Blackhawks (hockey), and the Chicago Bears (football).






	Chicago Fast Facts History Government Geography Attractions Hotels	Chicago is the 3rd largest city in the United States (after New York City and Los Angeles) and the largest city in Illinois. Founded in 1833 as a frontier town at the mouth of the Chicago River, the city today is the economic and cultural capital of the Midwest. Historically a transportation hub, it is the only city in North America in which all six Class I railroads meet. O'Hare International Airport, owned by the City of Chicago, is the world's busiest based on aircraft landings and takeoffs. Chicago is located in northeastern Illinois along the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. The downtown area, commonly referred to as "The Loop", is the site of some of the world's most recognizable buildings, including the tallest building in North America, the Sears Tower. The first steel-framed skyscraper in the world was constructed in Chicago in 1885. The name of the city is believed to have been adapted from the indigenous tribes that called the marshes in the area "checagou" though some claim the word was used to denote anything great or powerful. Chicago is subject to extreme, volatile weather conditions. Summers are hot, humid, with periods of severe thunderstorms. Winters are relatively dry, but can be bitterly cold and windy. Chicago is the home to many great museums. The Grant Park area includes the Art Institute of Chicago, the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium. The Museum of Science and Industry is located near Hyde Park. Major sports teams include the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox (baseball), Chicago Bulls (basketball), Chicago Blackhawks (hockey), and the Chicago Bears (football).

	Copyright © 2006 Omnimystery, Inc. All Rights Reserved