Unit #2 Review

How Chicago Came to Be

When did Chicago officially become a city?

• March 4, 1837

Who was the first mayor of Chicago?

• William B. Ogden

What is Chicago’s motto, and what does it mean?

• “Urbs in Horto” – it means city in a garden in Latin

What is a charter?

• A legal document that creates a city or town

What is are ordinances?

• Rules that must be followed by a city

What is a ward?

• Area of a city that is divided for voting and decision making

What does each symbol on Chicago’s seal represent?

• 1. Red, white, and blue shield Chicago supports the U.S.A.

• 2. Bundle of wheat The idea of plenty• 3. Native American Groups of people who lived

here before• 4. Sailing ship Settlers who came to establish

communities and businesses• 5. Baby in a shell Chicago is a pearl, a city of value

What were some of the causes of the Great Chicago fire?

• Balloon-frame construction – many homes and buildings were made of wood

• Streets and sidewalks wooden as well• Only a small amount of firefighters (185 for the entire city)• There was a major drought in the city• When small fires were occurring – the alarm never reached

the courthouse• Many pollutants were in the water, causing it to spread

quickly

How did the Great Chicago Fire affect the city of Chicago?

• Buildings and homes were completely burned down

• 1/3 of the population was homeless• However, Chicagoans saw this as a chance to

start fresh

What four events impacted Chicago culturally and economically?

• 1. Industrial Revolution• 2. The Great Migration• 3. Immigration• 4. Chicago Fire

Who is Daniel Burnham?

• A famous architect who in 1909 published A Plan for Chicago; The plan was created to solve many of the city’s problems

What were some of Burnham’s plans to help Chicago? How did they solve the city’s problems?

Problem Burnham’s Plan Solution

Overcrowding, disease, crime problems

Small neighborhood parks and large city parks

-Less homes built less people- Less people less pollution and disease-Fresh air and recreation

Overcrowding, disease, crime problems

Clean landfill was dumped into the lake

-More parks were created- Improved lakefront for the public

Not enough customers were buying goods and services downtown in the Loop

Widen streets for cards, and make more diagonal streets. Also, a railway system was created.

-Routes to get to the loop were much easier- More money for businesses

Inactivity in the loop Harbors and piers were built -Improve businesses and create jobs