Our blog is filled with fun stories and little-known facts about special places.
Come learn about those places and the people who made them unique, as well as highlights of our adventures.
Photograph credits: @ChiCitiGirl
Posts from Category "Culture"
- Culture
Chicago’s History of Magic
At the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, a 19-year-old named Ehrich Weisz performed magic tricks and stunts by himself and with his younger brother along the Midway Plaisance. Born in Budapest and raised in Appleton, Wisc., Weisz was already going by the name of Harry Houdini. By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago) The fair didn’t make […]
August 24, 2023
- Culture
Meet H.H. Holmes, The White City’s “Devil”
Last week, we explored how the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition was Chicago’s coming-out party as a major city. This week, we’re focusing on the darker side of the fair, the story of H.H. Holmes. The fairgrounds were in Jackson Park, where eATLAS has a free, self-guided tour of the park so you can discover what […]
May 12, 2023
- Culture
How the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition Put Chicago on the Map and Shaped America
Many were shocked when, in 1890, Chicago beat out New York City for the right to host the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago) Even though it was the second-largest city in the country with a population of 1.1 million people, the national perception of Chicago was that it was chaotic and violent, […]
May 4, 2023
- Culture
Meet Bertha Palmer, the “Queen of Chicago Society”
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re pleased to feature Bertha Palmer, one of the most accomplished American women of her day. By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago) Behind the pollution-filled air and chaotic streets of 19th century Chicago was wealth and elegance. And it was exemplified by Bertha Palmer. She was born Bertha Matilde Honoré on […]
March 30, 2023
- Culture
Meet Jane Byrne, Chicago’s First Female Mayor
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re pleased to feature Jane Byrne, who served as Chicago’s 50th mayor from 1979-1983. By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago) From 1837 until 1979, 49 men had served as the mayor of Chicago. Then came Jane Byrne, who broke through the glass ceiling that led her to the fifth floor of […]
March 23, 2023
- Culture
Meet Jane Addams, a Pioneer for Social Change
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re pleased to feature Jane Addams, who founded Hull-House and became a noted advocate for peace, social reform, and women’s suffrage. By Dave Lifton (@daveeatschicago) Chicago’s rapid growth from a swampy Midwestern outpost into a major global city could not have been possible without the vast number of immigrants […]
March 9, 2023
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