Think you know all there is to know about Chicago?
Sure, you may have learned a few Chicago facts in school. But we bet you didnât know these six fascinating things!
Read on for six interesting facts about Chicago that they didnât teach you in school.
1. Chicago Is an Entertainment Mecca
Say what you will about the Windy City, but you canât call Chicago boring. Thereâs always something exciting to do.
According to the cityâs official site, Chicago is home to 56 museums, 225 music venues, 250 theaters, and around 200 dance companies.
Suffice to say, you wonât have a hard time finding something fun to do on your next vacation.
2. Chicago Is Home to One of the Worldâs Largest Art Galleries
Speaking of museums, youâve probably heard of one of Chicagoâs most famous landmarks: The Art Institute of Chicago.
But what you might not know about this insanely popular museum is that it holds one of the biggest art museums in the world.
Back in 2014, Tripadvisor even called the Art Institute of Chicago the best museum in the world.
3. Itâs a Veritable Hotbed for Inventors
When you think of Chicago, you might think of deep dish pizza. But Chi-Town is home to so much more than that!
Since its founding, Chicago has served as the home or headquarters for several world-famous inventions.
Here are a few of the things Chicago inventors created:
- Spray paint.
- The Twinkie.
- The first franchised McDonaldâs restaurant.
- The Ferris wheel.
- Zippers.
- Softball.
Looking for a little inspiration? Maybe itâs time to take a trip. Maybe one day your invention could end up on this list!
4. The City Serves as the Basis for Gotham City
If youâre a fan of the Caped Crusader, you may have noticed that some of Gotham Cityâs architecture looks familiar.
Thatâs because âBatmanâ creators Bob Kane and Bill Finger used Chicago and its gorgeous buildings as the basis of Gotham City!
5. Chicago Drivers Suffer Some of the Countryâs Worst Traffic
Not all facts about Chicago are fun. Just ask Chicago drivers, who spend an estimated 138 hours in traffic each year.
As of this year, Chicago is the 23rd most congested city in the world, and the third worst city for traffic in the United States.
Pair that with Chicagoâs struggles with aggressive driving, and you can see why it might be a wise idea to have the info of a good personal injury lawyer on hand.
6. The 1893 Worldâs Fair Has a Hidden Dark History
Itâs well-known that Chicago played host to the Worldâs Fair in 1893. Visitors from around the world flocked to the city to see what the worldâs best and brightest had to offer.
Not everything from the event is worth celebrating, however. 16 people lost their lives after a roaring fire broke out in Jackson Park.
At the same time, serial killer H.H. Holmes used the fair to as a means of attracting unwitting victims into his infamous hotel, adding to the total body count.
Chicago Facts You Didnât Know: Final Thoughts
Chicago is a fascinating city with a rich, vibrant history â and not all of it is good. But these Chicago facts illustrate why weâre so fascinated by this illustrious Illinois town.
Be sure to check out our blog for more interesting articles like this!