My Home CountryMaking Connections

Chicago, U.S.A

-Peggy Kern-

1. Environmental FactorsThe main stem of the river flowed east through wetlands and marshes into Lake Michigan. The river was really important in Chicago's development as a major center of the lumber and meatpacking industries during the nineteenth century. Access through the Illinois & Michigan Canal to the Des Plaines River and the Mississippi River system provided opportunities for trade and shipping throughout the Midwest.

Month Minimum Temp. Maximum Temp.

January -6 C ̊� -1 C ̊�

February -7 C ̊� 1 C ̊�

March -1 C ̊� 8 C ̊�

April 4 C ̊� 15 C ̊�

May 10 C ̊� 21 C ̊�

June 16 C ̊� 27 C ̊�

July 19 C ̊� 29 C ̊�

August 18 C ̊� 28 C ̊�

September 14 C ̊� 24 C ̊�

October 7 C ̊� 18 C ̊�

November 1 C ̊� 9 C ̊�

December 2 C ̊� -6 C ̊�

Chicago’s average land elevation is 579 feet (176 m) above sea level. The lowest land elevations are along the lake shore at 577 feet (176 m), while the highest land elevation is at 735 feet (224 m) is a landfill located in the Hegewisch community area on the city's far south side.

Chicago has an extreme climate with very hot summers and bitterly cold winters, its lakeside setting only slightly moderating the temperatures and adding some humidity to the atmosphere. Chicago has distinct seasons, with a short spring, when temperatures are moderate and nights frosty. Summers are hot, sunny and humid, from June to the end of September, and are prone to thunderstorms. August is usually the wettest month of the year. Autumn is a lovely time of year when the air is crisp and cool, with blue skies and sunshine. Winters in Chicago are icy and prone to cold, harsh winds. Snow is common.

2. Historical Factors Jean Baptist Point DuSable

was the first non-Indian resident known to build a house on Chicago. He lived from 1745-1818.

Chicago used to be called Fort Dearborn.

1673- First Europeans discover the Chicago area

1833 – Chicago’s first newspaper – the Chicago weekly democrat1837- incorporated as a city1867 – first tunnel under the lake1869 – Chicago water tower built1873 – Chicago public library opened1877 - telephones reach Chicago1927- Buckingham fountain constructed1673 – discovery of Chicago1973- sears tower complete – become world highest tower

Jean Baptist Point DuSable wanted to live in Chicago because it was really convenient for trading. He sent wheat, breads, meats and fur to trading posts in Detroit and cananda.

3. Statistics (population, etc.) Male = 48.5% Female = 51.5% The median age is 31.5 The ages of 18 and over is 73.8% and

the ages of 65 and over is 10.3%

The different types of races in Chicago are :1.Black (36.8%)2.White Non-Hispanic (31.3%)3.Hispanic (26.0%)4.Chinese (1.1%)5.Filipino (1.0%)6.Asian Indian (0.9%)7.American Indian (0.7%)8.Other Asian (0.5%)9.Two or more races (2.9%)10.Other race (13.6%) The population of Chicago (estimated) *2007*

is 2,836,658

4. Graphics of City

URL’So http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalEntityHomeAction.do?entityName=Environment&entityNameEnumValue=13o http://www.wordtravels.com/Cities/Illinois/Chicago/Climateo http://www.aviewoncities.com/chicago/chicagohistory.htmo http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0215480/dusable.htmo http://www.city-data.com/city/Chicago-Illinois.htmlo http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0763098.htmlo http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108493.htmlo http://oznia.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/purple_chicago_skylineresized2.jpgo http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states/illinois/map.GIFo http://illinoisissues.uis.edu/archives/2008/05/images/chicagogarden.jpg o http://img16.imageshack.us/i/1800schicagocentraldepo.jpg/o http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_many_feet_is_Chicago_above_sea_levelo http://www.wordtravels.com/Cities/Illinois/Chicago/Climateo http://www.ritzreport.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_16/custom/rotator/american-flag-2a.jpgo http://www.flagsbay.com/flag/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/flag-of-illinois1.pngo http://1001photos.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/chicago_skyline1.jpgo http://djeff.fr/img/Chicago-Logo.gifo http://www.wheretogetapassport.net/images/Chicago_Lake.jpgo http://smeeze.gooseman.cz/shop/skin/frontend/smeeze/default/images/gfx-world-map-chicago.png