We aren’t called the Windy City for nothing. Though many think the nickname comes from the city’s weather, they’re wrong (though it is very windy here). The term actually refers to how much we like to brag about our accomplishments, implying that we are full of hot air.
Chicago takes on its nickname with grace. Here are 11 things we love to brag about here. Check them out:
- We’re home to the world’s first skyscraper.
Wikimedia Commons/Spikebrennan The first skyscraper was erected in the 1880s, and it’s part of what put Chicago on the map. Though the first building to reach the sky was only about eight stories tall, the tallest building today has more than 100 floors.
- Chicago is a major transportation hub.
Flickr/Jordan Staub From trains to planes, Chicago is transportation USA. Since we’re in the middle of the nation, we get many visitors from all around the globe. Being at the center also makes it easier for residents to get just about anywhere in America in less time.
- We’re the beginning of Route 66.
Max Pixel Though it spans across half of the U.S., this historic road begins right here in Illinois. It crosses the whole state, heading diagonally toward St. Louis before continuing to the Santa Monica Pier.
- Our sports teams are awesome.
Wikimedia Commons/Pierre-Yves Beaudouin Especially when we’re winning! Chicagoans love to brag about their favorite sports teams. We still can’t stop talking about the Cubs’ most recent World Series win, which took 108 years to score.
- We gave the world so many inventions.
Wikimeida Commons/C. D. Arnold Many of the inventions that are considered familiar to Chicago were showcased at the World Columbian Exposition in 1983. Many items, from the dishwasher to Ferris Wheels to brownies were invented for this occasion.
- We gave the world deep-dish.
Flickr/Eric Chan When it comes to pizza, Chicago has its own style. This is probably one of the things we brag about the most, but it’s for good reason. This thick, hearty stuff is unlike any other pie you’ve ever had.
- We invented House music.
Pxhere We love to make sure that everyone knows we’re the kings and queens of this style of music. We fill our clubs with it and have been host to many star DJs over the years.
- We have gorgeous green space.
Flickr/Ken Lund We pride ourselves on being the “city in a garden,” and it shows through our parks and nature preserves. There are trees, flowers, nature trails, and much more all around.
- Our skyline can’t be beat.
Flickr/nathanmac87 Nothing about Chicago is as beautiful as the way our buildings line up. Each structure is expertly designed and placed so as to keep the city feeling open and bright.
- Our endless list of incredible museums.
Wikimedia Commons/Alanscottwalker From the big guys over at Museum Campus to those sprinkled throughout the rest of the city, there are so many wonderful learning opportunities throughout Chicago. From the Field Museum to the Museum of Science and Industry to the Chicago History Museum, there is so much to do here.
- Our pride itself!
Flickr/Richie Diesterheft It may seem like we brag too much, but that’s just because we really love our city. We’re known for flying our flag alongside the United States flag and often print it on t-shirts, mugs, walls, and even tattoo it on our own skin.
On that note, check out 10 things Chicagoans do better than anyone else.
Wikimedia Commons/Spikebrennan
The first skyscraper was erected in the 1880s, and it’s part of what put Chicago on the map. Though the first building to reach the sky was only about eight stories tall, the tallest building today has more than 100 floors.
Flickr/Jordan Staub
From trains to planes, Chicago is transportation USA. Since we’re in the middle of the nation, we get many visitors from all around the globe. Being at the center also makes it easier for residents to get just about anywhere in America in less time.
Max Pixel
Though it spans across half of the U.S., this historic road begins right here in Illinois. It crosses the whole state, heading diagonally toward St. Louis before continuing to the Santa Monica Pier.
Wikimedia Commons/Pierre-Yves Beaudouin
Especially when we’re winning! Chicagoans love to brag about their favorite sports teams. We still can’t stop talking about the Cubs’ most recent World Series win, which took 108 years to score.
Wikimeida Commons/C. D. Arnold
Many of the inventions that are considered familiar to Chicago were showcased at the World Columbian Exposition in 1983. Many items, from the dishwasher to Ferris Wheels to brownies were invented for this occasion.
Flickr/Eric Chan
When it comes to pizza, Chicago has its own style. This is probably one of the things we brag about the most, but it’s for good reason. This thick, hearty stuff is unlike any other pie you’ve ever had.
Pxhere
We love to make sure that everyone knows we’re the kings and queens of this style of music. We fill our clubs with it and have been host to many star DJs over the years.
Flickr/Ken Lund
We pride ourselves on being the “city in a garden,” and it shows through our parks and nature preserves. There are trees, flowers, nature trails, and much more all around.
Flickr/nathanmac87
Nothing about Chicago is as beautiful as the way our buildings line up. Each structure is expertly designed and placed so as to keep the city feeling open and bright.
Wikimedia Commons/Alanscottwalker
From the big guys over at Museum Campus to those sprinkled throughout the rest of the city, there are so many wonderful learning opportunities throughout Chicago. From the Field Museum to the Museum of Science and Industry to the Chicago History Museum, there is so much to do here.
Flickr/Richie Diesterheft
It may seem like we brag too much, but that’s just because we really love our city. We’re known for flying our flag alongside the United States flag and often print it on t-shirts, mugs, walls, and even tattoo it on our own skin.
What else about Chicago do you love to brag about? Share your thoughts with us below!
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