Chicago History & Nostalgia

From a $1B parking meter disaster to the Dave Matthews Band incident, discover the 12 most jaw-dropping historical and modern scandals that shocked Chicago.

Did you know it’s illegal to give a dog whiskey or go fishing in your pajamas in Chicago? Discover 12 bizarre Chicago laws still on the books today!

Forget the mobsters. Chicago was built by ruthless industrialists, armed squatters, and architectural geniuses. Here is the true story of who built the city.

Chicago invented improv comedy in 1955. Here’s the full story from Viola Spolin and the Compass Players to Second City, iO, and SNL.

11 things people get wrong about Chicago, according to people who actually live here.

We asked Chicagoans what they’re most proud of. From labour history to a con man who got a neighbourhood named after him, the answers were personal. Here’s what they said.

Everyone knows The Bean. But do you know the man who made it? The true story behind Chicago’s most famous landmark is stranger than you think.

Chicago reversed its own river, lifted itself 10 feet into the air, and had a Mothman. These facts sound made up. They’re completely true.

We asked Chicagoans what they miss most about the old city. Marshall Field’s, Kiddieland, White Hen Pantry — the answers hit hard.

Step into a Chicago time machine! These stunning before-and-after photos reveal how much the city has changed, from the 1880s to today.