Chicago

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago was incorporated as a city in 1837 near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. It grew rapidly in the mid-19th century.[9][10] In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed several square miles and left more than 100,000 homeless,[11] but Chicago's population continued to grow.[10] Chicago made noted contributions to urban planning and architecture, such as the Chicago School, the development of the City Beautiful Movement, and the steel-framed skyscraper.[12][13]