American’s third-largest city is the home of the blues and deep-dish pizza, but you’ll find more than soulful music and a delicious dinner in the Windy City. Chicago is known for its architecture, beautiful Lake Michigan and famous Wrigley Field, among many other highlights. The city also boasts some of the best museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago and the internationally acclaimed Field Museum, as well as the Shedd Aquarium. But did you know that Chicago’s nickname has nothing to do with the weather? It was coined in 1893 by Charles Dana, the editor of the New York Sun newspaper, and was a comment about Chicago's politicians.
The city of Chicago lies within the humid continental climate zone and experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid and winters are cold, snowy and windy with temperatures below freezing.
The City of Chicago was incorporated on March 4, 1837. Chicago soon became known as a transportation, financial and industrial center in the country. In the 1920s, Chicago became famous for its association with gangsters, including Al Capone! Today, it's a thriving, bustling city whose contributions are felt worldwide, and many people know Chicago as the former home of the United States' current president, Barack Obama.