Welcome to a theme week on City Nicknames! Each day, we’re diving into the stories behind some of America’s most famous city monikers—where they came from, what they meant then, and what they mean now. We kick things off with a name many people think they understand: Chicago’s “Windy City.”
Most of us have heard that Chicago earned its nickname because of strong breezes blowing in off Lake Michigan. But here’s the twist: Chicago isn’t even one of the top 10 windiest cities in America. In fact, its average wind speeds are pretty typical.
So where did the name come from? In the late 19th century, journalists—many of them from rival New York City—began calling Chicago the “Windy City” as a jab. They weren’t talking about the weather; they were talking about the politicians. To them, Chicago leaders were “full of hot air,” driven by profit, ambition, and big talk. The insult didn’t stick for long, though. Over time, Chicagoans embraced the nickname, turning it from snark into civic pride.
A City That Rose—Literally—from the Ashes
Chicago’s story is one of rapid growth, resilience, and reinvention. Incorporated in 1837, the city expanded quickly thanks to its strategic position on Lake Michigan and its importance as a transportation hub linking the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River basin.
Then came October 8, 1871, when the Great Chicago Fire devastated an area four miles long and a mile wide. Over 300 people died, and more than 100,000 were left homeless. But Chicago’s railroads, stockyards, and spirit survived. From the ashes emerged steel-and-stone innovation—most famously the world’s first skyscraper, built in 1885.
By the early 20th century, Chicago had become the Midwest’s powerhouse of manufacturing, commerce, finance, culture, sports, and higher education.
The City That Reversed a River
In 1900, Chicago engineers pulled off a feat that still astonishes: they reversed the flow of the Chicago River, sending it toward the Mississippi instead of Lake Michigan. Today, the river is also famous for something more festive—the annual dyeing of the water bright green for St. Patrick’s Day. The exact formula is a secret, but it includes about 40 pounds of powdered vegetable dye.
“City in a Garden”
When Chicago was incorporated, it chose the Latin motto Urbs in Horto, meaning “City in a Garden.” That vision remains visible everywhere. The Chicago Park District now includes over 570 parks, more than 8,000 acres of green space, 31 beaches, two sprawling conservatories, and over 50 nature areas.
The city is also home to more than 60 museums, including the world-renowned Field Museum, home to Máximo the Titanosaur and SUE the T. rex—two of the most famous fossils on the planet.
A Taste of the Windy City
Chicago’s cultural identity shows up in its food as well. Deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches are all local staples with national fan bases. But the city also gave us desserts that changed American snacking forever.
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Brownies were invented at Chicago’s Palmer House for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
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Twinkies were created in the Chicagoland area in 1930.
And it doesn’t end there—Chicago innovators also brought us automatic dishwashers, zippers, and vacuum cleaners.
Route 66 also starts in Chicago so…