I'd like to present Chicago to you
Chicago is the 3rd largest city of the United States, and also the largest city of the Middle West region. It is north east of the United States. It is on the southwest bank of Lake Michigan, one of the Greatest Lakes of the United States. The number of inhabitants is 2 853 114, it spreads over 606km². The best season is summer with 28,7°C, same as anywhere else in the world but according to me the best season in Chicago is winter because, I like this season Chicago, when it is snowing it's magic, it is not as in France or more precisely Aubervilliers. In Chicago, snow lasts longer, Chicago became famous thanks to its skyscrapers and music. The history of Chicago and its name
Name of chicago:
Before Chicago became nowadays Chicago, Its name was different. Indeed, in the 18th century the Amerindian Potawatomis tribe called this place «Sikaakwa». Then, the French deformed by saying «checaugou».
Evolution of Chicago across the centuries:
1673:coming back from an expedition Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette discovered Chicago, it is became part of the Illinois in the French Louisanne. Some year later, the British took the region of Illinois.
1837: Chicago became the official name of this place.
1848: The foundation of the Chicago Board of Trade in 1848 contributed to its considerable economic development.
1910:Chicago welcomed a massive migration of Afro-American people who came from the South where they endured a lot of violence, racism and segregation.
1919: A riot burst which involved the drowning of a young Afro American person, and this riot lasted during 13 days. It killed many people and some others were injured. A year later, that is in 1920, Chicago became the place to be for Jazz music.
Now: it has become a modern place which went through several steps of evolution as we've seen that in this chapter dedicated to it.
How to go to Chicago?
What district or monument should you visit?
How to go to Chicago?
You take the plane from Charle de Gaulle airport to the international airport of O'Hare, Chicago. When you take the plane, you fly above the Atlantic Ocean. It is the most convenient way to travel.
What district should you visit?
Chicago is a city with some ethnic districts such as:
The Afro-American district named Bronzville which situated has Douglas. In the 20th century, Bronzeville was known as « The Black Metropolis ». Many famous people are associated to the development of this area, for example the well-known musician Louis Armstrong, or we can also mention the producer,trumpeter and composer Quincy Jones who was born there.
Chinatown in Chicago is known as a very famous setting for films or series. Indeed, it is a very popular district where you can find Chinese temples, restaurants, and museums. First migran arrived in 1950 and 1960.
The district Pilsen is mainly composed with Mexicans. It is located on the lower west side. In this district, there is the National museum of Mexican art if you want to know more about this community.
What are the monuments or museums that you shouldn't miss?
The Victory monument was built in the name of the eighth Regiment of the National guard of Illinois, an African American unit that served for the French during the first world war. This monument is located in the « Black metropolis », bronzeville district.
The museum of natural history is located near lake Michigan, I advise you to have a look at the Tyrannosaurus rex and human anthropology exhibits, including ancient Egypt, the Pacific northwest and Tibet. I have chosen this museum because I'm fond of history.
Address:1400 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago.
Shedd auquarium: opened in 1930, this museum was the greatest museum in the world . It contains 2100 animal Species : fish, marine mamals, birds, snakes, amphibians and insects.
Address 1200 south lake shore drive Chicago Illinois
How to move around the city?
To move around the city, there are different means of transport. Mainly, there are buses and the subway. They both belong to the same firm, that is to say « Chicago Transit Autority ».The fastest means is the subway because there is no traffic jam. Whereas with the bus, you can be stuck in the traffic.
Don't miss...
Did you know that ? The president Barack Obama was senator illinois.
Chicago's most popular musical scene:
-
Jazz music is well-known thanks to famous artists such as Louis Amstrong and Miles Devis. Every year, There is a Jazz festival you can see festival the 4 september to 6 september.
-
Rock music was also very popular in the 1980s, 1990s with artists like Patti Smith, a really good singer. There is also a group that I really like : its name is Fall out boy. They are fantastic and very popular in Chicago. There is the festival Lollapalloza in summer you can see festival.
-
Hip-hop music is also very popular with artists like Lupo fiasco, kaneye west who are known for their songs and their lyrics.
Media
Different series have been shot in the districts of Chicago: for instance, prison break, E.R, Samantha who? The most famous TV show watched by millions of Americans is Oprah Winfrey's show. Actually, Oprah Winfrey is the most influencial woman of the United State since 1986.
Many famous people were born there such as keny west, R.kelly, cm punk, Walt disney,Robin williams, anastacia Michelle obama etc...
Fall out boy
Fall out boy is group of rock music coming from Chicago. In this group there are Joe Trohman who is lead guitar and vocals Pete Wentz known for marrying Ashley Simpson; Pete plays the bass, Patrick Stump is the singer and guitar player while Andy Hurly is the drummer of the band.
They are known for their album infinity on high with songs like this ain’t a scene, it’s an arms race. My favourite songs are “what a catch donnie”, “thanks for the memories” and “I don’t care”. They wrote a special song dedicated to chicago “Chicago is so two years ago”. (image : www.falloutboyrock.com site official)
Tribute tower
Tribute tower is a neo-gothic skyscraper in Chicago, the famous channel CNN have their offices there. The tower is 141 meters high. It is as famous in the world as Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, or the Arc de triomphe and the great wall of China.
I chose Chicago because it is wonderful landpscape, monument, and there are different kinds of people coming from every part of the world : Afro-Americans, Mexicans, Chinese.... It is a real melting pot. The music which was born there influenced many artists across the world such as fall out boy, linkin park for rock music, The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, nina simone for jazz music
To conclude, I'd say that Chicago is THE best city of the United States because its history is very rich and fascinating. We've all been through the streets of Chicago when we turned on our television thanks to all the series which were shot there. Not to mention Oprah Winfrey's show. Jazz music, Hip hop music and even Rock music bands contribute to Chicago's interest. Celebrities such as Walt Disney, Robin Williams, Anastacia, or Michelle Obama would recommand you to go and visit this wonderful place like I do !!!
