Beneath those famous landmarks and deep-rooted traditions, Chicago has a lot of secrets. Hidden gems, quirky stories, and pieces of history that even some longtime residents might not know about. As a journalist, I’ve spent time exploring this city, and trust me, there’s so much more to Chicago than what meets the eye. Here, I have listed some mind-blowing 20 lesser-known facts about Chicago that’ll give you a whole new perspective on the city.
Chicago isn’t just the “Windy City”; it’s also home to a river that flows backwards. In 1900, engineers reversed the flow of the Chicago River to prevent contamination from entering Lake Michigan, the city’s main water source. This massive engineering feat not only helped clean up the water supply but changed the entire landscape of the city. The next time you cross the river, just remember it’s flowing in the opposite direction you’d expect!
The Home Insurance Building, completed in 1884, is widely considered the world’s first skyscraper. Standing at just 10 stories, it may seem small by today’s standards, but its revolutionary steel-frame design paved the way for the towering skyscrapers that would come to define modern cities. So, the next time you gaze up at the Willis Tower or John Hancock Building, know that it all started here.
Forget the long lines at your local fast food joint Chicago is the birthplace of the first-ever drive-through restaurant. In 1951, Jack in the Box opened in the city, giving birth to the concept of ordering food from the comfort of your car. So the next time you grab a burger without leaving your ride, give a little nod to Chicago for making it happen.
Sure, you know about the famous Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza, but did you know that Chicago has the largest collection of public art in the country? From Alexander Calder’s Flamingo in Federal Plaza to murals and sculptures scattered across neighborhoods, Chicago is like an open-air museum. The city takes public art seriously, and it shows.
Long before Tesla made electric cars cool, Chicago’s William Morrison built the first electric car in 1891. Although the vehicle had limited range, it marked a huge milestone in transportation history. Who knew that one of the city’s first contributions to the world was a car that didn’t need gas?
In 1893, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel opened as the first skyscraper hotel in the world. Standing 12 stories tall, this hotel was a sign of the future and helped establish Chicago as the city of architectural innovation. Today, the historic building is a luxury hotel but still retains much of its original grandeur.
Beneath the streets of Chicago lies a network of old tunnels that were originally built to help businesses transport goods like coal and mail throughout the city. While most of these tunnels are now closed off, some remain accessible to the public, like the Chicago Pedway, a system of underground walkways that connects downtown buildings. Who knows what other secrets lie beneath your feet?
Chicago didn’t just invent skyscrapers for offices it also built the world’s first skyscraper hotel. The Chicago Athletic Association opened its doors in 1893, offering guests stunning views from its 12-story structure. Fast forward to today, and it’s a luxurious hotel that combines rich history with modern amenities.
Before refrigeration was a household staple, Chicago was ahead of the curve. In 1900, Albert Marsh, an engineer, developed the first mechanical refrigerator, revolutionizing the way food was stored and transported. So the next time you grab a cold drink from the fridge, you can thank Chicago for that.
Chicago made history when the Chicago Public Library became the first library in the world to open its doors to the public without charging fees. In 1872, the city paved the way for public libraries everywhere by making knowledge and books available to everyone no membership required.
If you’ve ever been in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day, you’ve probably seen the iconic green river. The city dyes the Chicago River every year in a vibrant green for the holiday, a tradition that started in 1962. The dye is non-toxic and eco-friendly, so you can rest easy knowing that no harm is done to the environment.
In 1913, Chicago opened Country Club Plaza, now known as Block 37, which is widely considered one of the world’s first shopping malls. With stores, a theater, and office spaces under one roof, it was an innovative concept that later became a model for modern retail complexes.
Public restrooms might seem like a given in today’s world, but Chicago was the first city to install a public bathroom and it did so in Grant Park in 1900. This simple but revolutionary step in urban planning helped improve public health and hygiene, making life a lot easier for city residents.
The “L” (short for "elevated") began operation in 1892 and was the world’s first elevated train system. This system changed the way people moved around the city and is still in use today, proving that Chicago’s commitment to innovation isn’t just a thing of the past.
Chicago’s famous Portillo’s restaurant chain began with just a humble hot dog stand in 1963. Now, it’s a city institution, known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and chocolate cake. The stand-to-chain story is a classic Chicago success tale.
Back in 1848, the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) became the first-ever commodity exchange in the U.S., helping to set the stage for modern financial markets. This landmark institution remains a key player in global futures trading to this day.
Hot dogs are a quintessential Chicago food, and the city’s very first hot dog stand was opened by a man named Portillo in 1963. Since then, Chicago has built a reputation for the best hot dogs around, making Portillo’s a landmark in its own right.
Chicago is home to the largest Chinatown in the Midwest, a vibrant neighborhood full of authentic restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions. This thriving community, which began in the 1850s, continues to be a hub for Chinese culture in the region.
Long before electric cars were on the roads today, Chicago inventor William Morrison created the world’s first electric car in 1891. Though it didn’t exactly spark the electric car revolution, Morrison’s vehicle was a major step forward in the development of transportation.
In 1893, Chicago built the first skyscraper hotel in the world The Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. At 12 stories tall, it wasn’t a giant by today’s standards, but it marked a milestone in both hospitality and architectural design, and it’s still standing as a luxury hotel today.
