Did You Know?

The old Water Pumping Station was saved from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 by a group of men who wet down several canvas ship sails and covered the building with them to blunt the fire's effect. The Pumping Station and the Water Tower across the street were 2 of the few structures in the path of the fire which survived.

Tour guide Michael Corcoran REALLY likes to interact with Chicago's landmarks, here emulating a portion of Chicago's famous Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. The Chicago Fact Book (available from City Hall) lists the fountain as the "world's largest illuminated fountain".

Superlatives are quite the rage in the Windy City...

Links We Like

Chicago is a city of variety and contrasts, diversity and opportunity, normal and weird. Here are a few pages of links to get you on your way as you navigate your way around our fabulous metropolis!

• Around Chicago
  Food, getting around, etc.
• Chicago's Art and History
  Virtually visit some of Chicago's museums and other sites dedicated to Chicago art and history.
• Just for Fun
  Delve deeper into specific Chicago figures or just have a chuckle.
• Get the Book!
  Michael's book Hollywood on Lake Michigan, 2nd edition, will be available in June 2013.