Chicago's history...    Believed by historians to be named after the Indian word for "stinking onion," Chicago has truly overcome this negative connotation throughout the past hundreds of years. In 1833, the town of Chicago was first incorporated, its inhabitants totaling only 200 people. Today, it has grown to one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States with a population of 2,896,016 according to the 2000 Census. Not only is Chicago a historical city, but its past is one that is as rich and diverse as its inhabitants today. October 8, 1871 became one of Chicago, and America's most remembered days in history. Beginning in Patrick O'Leary's cow barn, the Great Chicago Fire left terror and death in its wake, burning a large portion of the city and leaving 300 Chicagoans dead. Not only was the death toll a major factor in this disaster's enduring fame, but at the time the fire occurred, Chicago was one of the fasted growing industrial cities in the United States, so the financial devastation was significant, as well.

Not even seven years past the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire came what is also a major landmark in American history - The Great Uprising. Due to a general strike of Chicago union railroad workers, laborers from a variety of industries rioted in the streets throughout the nation, battling police and US Militia. The Great Uprising resulted in 100 deaths nationwide, 30 of them in Chicago alone. This momentous occasion set the stage for civil unrest, class warfare, and labor violence for years to come. Not that Chicago has always been a city of unrest and tragedy. In 1893, because of the incredible architectural genius displayed at the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago made a lasting name for itself in the domain of architecture. The Art Institute of Chicago was also founded in 1882, bringing sophistication to the forefront of Chicago's reputation.  The twentieth century ushered in a raucous status Chicago is still remembered for. Marked for being a home to many illustrious gangsters in the 1920s, including Al Capone, the reputation for criminal warfare continued on for years after that violent era had passed. The year 1959 brought great prospects for Chicago, when, in July at the Chicago International Trade Fair, Queen Elizabeth visited to mark the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway at the Navy Pier, an even that made Chicago one of the greatest seaports in the world.  In 1973, the Sears Tower was completed, giving Chicago bragging rights on the tallest building in the world. The height to the top of the Sears Tower is 1450 feet, and its still debated, even though the Petronas Towers in Malaysia has claimed the title of tallest building, that Sears Tower still remains triumphant in this regard. Only because the Petronas Towers have a spire extending past that of the roof of the Sears Tower is it given the title so many Chicagoans believe their structure deserve. Nonetheless, the Sears Tower remains one of the most beloved city artifacts and tourist attractions in Chicago.  Chicago has also been called home for many, many famous people over the years. Walt Disney was born in Chicago in 1901, although he was raised in a Midwestern town in Missouri for most of his formative years. Saul Bellow, though born in Canada, was raised in the great city of Chicago, and later went on to be one of America's most cherished writer. The famed historical defense lawyer, Clarence Darrow, was also from Chicago. As well, celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Murray, Harrison Ford, Hugh Hefner, Mel Torme, and Robin Williams have all claimed Chicago as their home. Chicago's history is also rich with professional athletic memories. Fans of Chicago sports organizations such as the White Sox, Cubs, Bears, and Bulls have made a name for these teams despite their sometimes unwinning histories. Home of the fated Comiskey Park and Wrigley Field, Chicago's beginnings of baseball have arguably led to the sport as we know it today. In addition, the Chicago NFL team, the Bears, have made great strides throughout the century in the development of football. Chicago is also known for its cultural arts, famed advertising agencies, and other pop culture greats that have contributed to the rich civilization of America.  Plus, it is one of the large financial centers of the US.