CHICAGO turns 174yrs old

Happy Birthday Chicago!

(CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM) Chicago Facts

In November of 1836, a committee was formed to apply to the state legislature for a city charter. A charter was prepared by this committee and submitted to the people for approval at a mass meeting at the Saloon Building on Monday, January 23, 1837. After slight alterations, the charter was approved and sent to the legislature. There, after certain amendments, it was enacted into law on March 4, 1837. Thus, on this date, Chicago became a city, population of 4,170. William B. Ogden was chosen the first Mayor of Chicago; Isaac N. Arnold, clerk; and Hiram Pearsons, treasurer.


Friday, March 4, 2011. Chicago is looking good for her age. On this day in 1837, the City of Chicago was incorporated with a population of 4170. Today's Chicago is hovering around 2.9 million citywide--add the rest of Cook County and you're talking over 5.3 million. Now that's something to celebrate! Check out some of the celebrations below and some milestones in Chicago history.


Special Events.
Chicago History Museum is throwing a party in honor of Chicago's 174 b-day. The event, complete with a very special birthday cake by Bleeding Heart Bakery and entertainment, kicks off at 11a.m. with special guests from the American Indian Center of Chicago. Other invited guests include those who share the same birthday, March 4, as well as city officials. Birthday celebrants will receive an honorary certificate signed by the Mayor and share birthday cake which is free for all guests along with FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION. Stick around after the celebration to tour the permanent and special exhibits at this Chicago treasure. On the First Friday of each month The Chicago History Museum features an installation called Unexpected Chicago. This is a rare opportunity to see some unique pieces from history that is not normally on display. The artifact on display in March is the revolver that belonged to Owen Brown, son of the famed abolitionist, John Brown. 1601 N. Clark St.


Chicago Timeline.

1837. William B. Ogden was elected mayor.
1837. C. D. Peacock jewelers was founded.
1847. The first issue of the Chicago Tribune was published (June 10),
1848. The Chicago Board of Trade opened at 101 S. Water Street (April 3).
1864. Lincoln Park was designated to be a recreational area.
1864. The Union Stock Yards were established in a one-square-mile area at Halsted St. and Exchange Ave. (closed in 1971).
1871. The Great Chicago Fire (October 8 and 9).
1874. First animal purchased for the Lincoln Park Zoo was a bear cub for $10.
1879. The Art Institute of Chicago was founded.
1891. "The El" began operation.
1893. The World's Columbian Exposition along Chicago's lakefront attracted 27 million visitors during its run from May through October.
1897. The Marshall Field's Clocks were installed.
1900. The Chicago River was reversed.
1903. The Iroquois Theater fire killed 600.
1915. The Eastland Disaster on the Chicago River at LaSalle and Clark Sts. resulted in the death of 844 passengers on the excursion steamer while it was still moored at the dock.
1919. The First Fannie May Candy store opened.
1924. The Wrigley Building was completed.
1925. The Tribune Tower was completed.
1939. First night game at Comiskey Park (White Sox vs. Browns, Sox won).
1942. The tradition of organ music as baseball games began when the first organ was
installed at Wrigley Field.
1959. Second City founded on N. Wells St. in a former Chinese laundry.
1960. The first Playboy Club, featuring bunnies opened.
1969. John Hancock Center was built.
1971. Sears Tower opened.
1980. First Taste of Chicago was held--a one-day event on the 4th of July.