Why Are There So Many Old Style Signs in Chicago?

Old Style, brewed since 1902 in Wisconsin, has been closely associated with Chicago since 1950, when it became the official beer of the Cubs. Read more

What Is the Oldest Town in Illinois?

Answered by Edward McClelland

We need to head back to the year 1703, when the French controlled the Illinois Country. Read more

Has Chicago Ever Had a Republican Mayor?

Answered by Edward McClelland

We have: The GOP was the party of Lincoln, after all — but it’s been nearly a century since the last. Read more

Why Is Our Skyline Visible From Across the Lake?

Answered by Edward McClelland

It’s not actually possible to see that far, given the curvature of the earth. Instead, there's an optical phenomenon at play. Read more

Why Does Chicago Have Elevated Trains?

Answered by Edward McClelland

The two main reasons that we didn't go underground first. Read more

What Was Chicago’s First Skyscraper?

Answered by Edward McClelland

Designed by famed architect William Le Baron Jenney and completed in 1885, it rose 10 stories (and eventually 12, after an addition six years later). Read more

Has a Chicago Mayor Ever Been Assassinated?

Answered by Edward McClelland

Two, in fact — although one wasn't intentional (the bullet was meant for a president). Read more

What Is the Highest Point in Chicago?

Answered by Edward McClelland

We can thank the Blue Island Ridge, a glacial moraine, that winds through this area. Read more