Chicago was founded in 1837 and quickly grew into a major transportation hub due to its strategic location between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. The city played an important role in the development of the United States, especially in the areas of transportation, manufacturing, and finance. Many famous people have called Chicago their home, including Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael Jordan. | Chicago was founded in 1837 and quickly grew into a major transportation hub due to its strategic location between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. The city played an important role in the development of the United States, especially in the areas of transportation, manufacturing, and finance. Many famous people have called Chicago their home, including Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael Jordan. |