Did You Know?

There was a second Chicago Fire in 1874 that caused a significant amount of damage on the near South Side. After this "little Great Fire" insurance companies threatened to desert the city unless reforms were enacted--resulting in actual enforcement of ordinances passed in 1871 and to the revamping of the Chicago Fire Department.

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.