Chicago is the largest city in the state of Illinois, the largest in the Midwest and the third-most populous city in the United States. Louis Jolliet, a Canadian explorer and the French-born Jesuit Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to discover the Chicago area in 1673 with the help of local Indians. The first permanent settlement was founded in 1781 by Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, an African American from Santo Domingo. Later the area at the mouth of the Chicago river was occupied by a military base, Fort Dearborn. The Fort was regularly atacked by Native Americans, until Chief Black Hawk was defeated in 1832. One year later, Chicago was officially incorporated as a town and four years later, when the population reached 4170, as a city. Its name was derived from the native indian's word describing the area.
Chicago has an extreme climate with very hot summers and bitterly cold winters, its lakeside setting only slightly moderating the temperatures and adding some humidity to the atmosphere. Chicago has distinct seasons, with a short spring, when temperatures are moderate and nights frosty. Summers are hot, sunny and humid. Autumn is a lovely time of year when the air is crisp and cool, with blue skies and sunshine. Winters in Chicago are icy and prone to cold, harsh winds, snow is common.
Chicago's diversified economy is based on manufacturing, printing and publishing, finance and insurance, and food processing (the city is still considered the nation's "candy capital" as primary sectors). A substantial industrial base and a major inland port contribute to the city's position as a national transportation and distribution center. The source of nationally distributed magazines, catalogs, educational materials, encyclopedias and specialized publications, Chicago ranks second only to New York in the publishing industry. The city is home to the Federal Reserve Bank, the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
Chicago has the largest public transportation system in the country and getting around the city is fast, easy and inexpensive, with an extensive network of rapid transit trains and buses. The train system has both underground lines and elevated tracks above the city, but buses also cover every part of the city including the suburbs, albeit less regularly. Taxis are easy to find.
Chicago area institutions of higher education include private, state and religious universities of national note. The University of Chicago, founded with an endowment by John D. Rockefeller in 1891, enjoys an international reputation for pioneering science research and the "Chicago plan" in undergraduate education. Among the city's many other institutions of higher learning are Chicago City-Wide College, Roosevelt University, Chicago State University, Columbia College, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, Illinois College of Optometry, Rush University and Vandercook College of Music.
Well known for its gorgeous lakefront, Chicago’s water views extend well beyond the shores of Lake Michigan. The Chicago and Calumet Rivers also provide immense natural beauty, recreational activities and environmental education opportunities. The Chicago River is 28 miles long within city limits. Every September, the Friends of the Chicago River host a one of a kind paddling race—the Chicago River Flatwater Classic, from Clark Park to Ping Tom Memorial Park. The race attracts hundreds of volunteers, spectators and participants including corporate teams, first-time paddlers and seasoned competitors. Featured are musical performances, refreshments concessions, outdoor equipment vendors and ample opportunity to meet those competing or just float through. Past years activities included free canoe rides, massages, food and gift vendors, and sponsor promotions.
