Since the 1870s Chicago has been the largest and most dominant metropolis in the Midwestern United States. The recorded history begins with the arrival of French explorers, missionaries and fur traders …

Chicago continues to be a place that many people from diverse backgrounds call home. Before it was a city, it was the home to numerous indigenous peoples, a legacy which continues to frame our …

Jan 26, 2026 · Chicago - History: Chicago’s critical location on the water route linking the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River shaped much of its early history. It was populated by a series of Native …

Mar 4, 2010 · Chicago was incorporated as a town in 1833 and as a city in 1837, when its population reached 4,000. In 1848 Chicago got its first telegraph and railroad. Two innovations—grain elevators …

Jul 28, 2025 · Explore Chicago's vibrant history from its early days to modern times, including its growth, challenges, and cultural impact.

Mar 14, 2021 · A brief history of the American city of Chicago from its foundation across time up to the 21st Century

On March 4, 1837, Chicago became a city with a population of 4,170. The first civic election was held on May 2, 1837, and resulted in William Ogden becoming mayor. The year 1848 marked two …