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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Al Capone, Richard Daley, Wrigley Field, the stock yards, Union Pacific, Montgomery Ward, and Michael Jordan have all contributed to the rich and colorful history of Chicago, Illinois.

Led by a group of friendly Indians, French Missionaries and Explorers, were the first Europeans to arrive in the Chicago area. The city's name is derived from the Indian name, 'Che-Cau-Gou', for the river running into Lake Michigan. In 1818, Illinois was admitted to statehood. Chicago was incorporated as a town in August, 1833. The Great Chicago fire started on Sunday, October 18, 1871, resulting in the deaths of over 300 people, 90,000 became homeless, and propery loss of $200 million. Legend has it that Mrs. O'Leary's cow knocked over a lantern which started the fire.

With the introduction of steel, Chicago was able to build the world’s first skyscraper, the 10-story Montauk building in 1882. In 1892 the first elevated train (the 'L') was up and running. Between 1919 and 1933 prohibition turned the streets of Chicago into a war zone, as rival mob gangs battled for control of alcohol distribution and sales. The city experienced the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre. In 1932 The Chicago National Democratic Convention nominated Franklin D. Roosevelt for the presidency, in 1955 Richard Daley became the “last of the big city bosses,” In 1974 the then World’s tallest building - the Sears Tower was completed.

Activities: Visit the John Hancock Center and enjoy the Mid-West's highest open-air Skywalk. Discover the most complete T-Rex ever found at the Field Museum, and enjoy the home and studio of America's most renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. See the Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Sears Tower, Lake Michigan. Professional Sports teams include the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, and White Sox.