Chicago in United States of America

Chicago is a city in the U.S. state of Illinois. It is located in Cook County in the northeast corner of the state. Chicago is considered a part of the Midwestern geographical area. The city of Chicago is on the Chicago River, and it borders both the states of Indiana and Wisconsin. Chicago also shares a border with Lake Michigan. The city grew up along the water, and it still has many ports.

The area that is now considered Chicago was first inhabited by the Sauk, Fox, Miami, and Potawatomis Native American tribes. Jean Baptiste Point du Sable is credited as being the first non-Native American permanent settler of the Chicago area. He arrived sometime in the 1780s or early 1790s. However, the city of Chicago was not officially formed until 1833. It was incorporated in 1837.

Chicago experienced rapid growth in a short period of time. A big reason for this growth was due to Chicago's location on the water. It became a large port city that connected The Mississippi River to the Great Lakes via the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Manufacturing and meatpacking also became large industries in the area.

Two key events occurred in Chicago in the 19th century. One was that Chicago developed and implemented the first United States sewage system. This was important because it helped people live cleaner and healthier lives. The second key event occurred in 1871 when a large portion of the city burned in what is now known as the Great Chicago fire of 1871. After the fire, there was a period of massive rebuilding. The city continued to grow steadily during both of these events.

Cultural changes occurred in Chicago during the 1900s as a result of the Great Migration. This migration refers to the movement of black Americans from the Jim Crow South to the northern U.S. cities. These blacks chose to move north in search of better jobs, and Chicago attracted many of these workers due to its large manufacturing industry. During the 20th century, black Americans arrived in Chicago in droves. They ultimately had a large impact on the culture and nightlife of Chicago. The Chicago jazz sound was greatly motivated by black Americans.

Today, Chicago is a huge center of transportation. About 30% of America’s freight trains travel through the Chicago railway system. Almost all of the country’s Class 1 major railways run through the city. Passenger railroad service is also a large industry in Chicago. The city is linked to other large U.S. cities via railroad, including Boston, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Washington D.C., New Orleans, and San Francisco, among several others.

Today, Chicago is a world leader in terms of business and finance. Many financial institutions are located there. The city is home to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the Chicago Stock Exchange.

Chicago has a crime rate that is typical of large U.S. cities. Though violent crimes such as rape and murder have decreased since the 1990s, residents and tourists should still be careful when traveling in and around the city. Anyone who suspects criminal activity or becomes a victim of a crime should report the incident by calling the local Chicago PD or by calling 9-1-1 in emergency situations.

The United States is continuously making changes to its healthcare system. The uninsured most often have trouble receiving adequate healthcare. The Medicaid and Medicare systems help to provide free healthcare to children, the elderly and low-income families. However, even Americans with health insurance coverage are still billed expensive health care premiums and large medical bills for their health care services.

Despite the problems in its healthcare system, America has many reputable hospitals and healthcare centers. The University of Chicago Medical Center is considered one of the country’s best hospitals. John Stroger Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and The University of Illinois Medical Center are also located in and around Chicago. The city houses a VA hospital called Jesse Brown.

Many visitors never make it past the attractions downtown, but you haven't truly seen Chicago until you have ventured out into the neighborhoods. Chicagoans understand their city by splitting it into large sides to the north, west, and south of the central business district (the Loop). Chicagoans also tend to identify strongly with their neighborhood, reflecting real differences in culture and place throughout the city. Rivalries between the North and South Sides run particularly deep, while people from the West Side are free agents in critical issues like baseball loyalty.

Downtown

Chicago/Loop The center of Chicago for work and play, with shopping, skyscrapers, and the city's most famous travel sights.

North Side

Chicago/Lakeview-North Center The city's best theaters, a ton of bars and clubs, one of the largest LGBT communities in the nation, and the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field.

South Side

Chicago/South Chicago Shore The historic Black Metropolis, brainy Hyde Park/Kenwood and the University of Chicago, Chinatown, and the White Sox.

West Side

Chicago/Wicker Park Ethnic enclaves, dive bars, and hipsters abound on the fashionably rough side of town.

Far North Side

Chicago/Uptown Ultra-hip and laid-back, with miles of beaches and some of the most vibrant immigrant communities in the country.

Far West Side

Chicago/Far West Side So far off the beaten tourist track you might not find your way back, but that's OK given all the great food, a couple of top blues clubs, and enormous parks.

Southwest Side

Chicago/Southwest Side Former home to the massive meatpacking district of the Union Stockyards, current home to the real Chicago blues.

Far Southeast Side

Chicago/Far Southeast Side A residential section with one large tourist draw: the historic Pullman District.

Far Northwest Side

Chicago/Far Northwest Side Polish Village, historic homes and theaters, and some undiscovered gems in the neighborhoods near O'Hare International Airport.

Far Southwest Side

Chicago/Far Southwest Side Home to a large Irish community, a huge St Patrick's Day Parade, and a ton of Irish pubs.

O'Hare airport is the one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, and it is located in Chicago. Midway International Airport is also in the city.

How to Navigate the City Public transportation is one of the best and most fuel efficient ways of traveling within the city. Chicago has a public transit system called the Chicago Transit Authority (also known as CTA). Trains and buses run throughout the city and a few close suburbs. Two of the subway lines run twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week, and Chicago is one of only a few cities that provides train service 24/7. The transit system is inexpensive and convenient. Explorechicago.org is the official tourism website. Visit the website for maps of the city and information on trains, taxis, and buses.