10 fun facts about Chicago

Our newest initiative, Inman Local, will be launching on November 2 to six markets: Chicago, Washington D.C., Miami, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Leading up to the launch date, we’ll be getting you acquainted with the history and personality of each locale.

First up is Chicago — the Windy City.

The Wrigley Building was the first office building to have air conditioning. 

 

In the 1850s, Chicago was hydraulically lifted several feet to fix a sewer drainage problem. 

 

Chicago’s downtown area is known as “The Loop.” The nickname refers to the area encircled by the elevated ‘L’ train tracks. 

 

Four states are visible from the top of the Willis (Sears) Tower: Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. 

 

Rebuilding after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was swift — the rubble and ash were pushed into the lake to make room for new neighborhoods. 

 

Every St. Patrick’s Day, the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers dye the Chicago River green.

 

The Twinkie was invited in Chicago during The Great Depression. 

The first McDonald’s franchise opened in Des Plaines, a suburb of Chicago. 

The first baton-twirling contest was held at the Chicagoland Music Festival in 1935. 

Batman lives in Chicago — sort of.

So, Chicagoans, what fun facts do you think others should know about your city? Share them below, and join us November 2 for the launch of Inman Local.

Email Marian McPherson.