Special Places # 52
Chicago, USA
Photo Gallery













The City of Chicago, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois, and the third-most populous city in the United States, following New York City and Los Angeles. With a population of 2,746,388 in the 2020 census, it is also the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the fifth-most populous city in North America. Chicago is the county seat of Cook County, the second-most populous county in the U.S., while a small portion of the city’s O’Hare Airport also extends into DuPage County. Chicago is the principal city of the Chicago metropolitan area, defined as either the U.S. Census Bureau’s metropolitan statistical area (9.6 million people) or the combined statistical area (almost 10 million residents), often called Chicagoland. It is one of the 40 largest urban areas in the world.
I consider this great city a very Special Place because I was sent to study to Illinois Institute of Technology by a company, to sharpen my skills on designing parts for jet plane engines. My father was an Architect and used to give me ideas of how to do some tasks because my artistic inclinations and understanding the needs for new things. I was always trying to advance my opportunities in life. I spent nice time in IIT, and learned a great deal” — H.J.
Located on the shores of freshwater Lake Michigan, Chicago was incorporated as a city in 1837 near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed and grew rapidly in the mid-19th century. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed several square miles and left more than 100,000 homeless, the city rebuilt. The construction boom accelerated population growth throughout the following decades, and by 1900, less than 30 years after the great fire, Chicago was the fifth-largest city in the world. Chicago made noted contributions to urban planning and zoning standards, including new construction styles (including the Chicago School of architecture), the development of the City Beautiful Movement, and the steel-framed skyscraper. Since the 1850s, Chicago has been a world center of higher education and research with several universities. These institutions consistently rank among the top “National Universities” in the United States, as determined by U.S. News & World Report. Highly regarded universities in Chicago and the surrounding area are: the University of Chicago; Northwestern University; Illinois Institute of Technology; Loyola University Chicago; DePaul University; Columbia College Chicago and University of Illinois at Chicago. Other notable schools include: Chicago State University; the School of the Art Institute of Chicago; East–West University; National Louis University; North Park University; Northeastern Illinois University; Robert Morris University Illinois; Roosevelt University; Saint Xavier University; Rush University; and Shimer College.
© HJ Ruiz – Avian101 – Wikipedia
What a nice surprise to find Chicago highlighted here, HJ. I grew up in central IL and have spent a lot of time in Chicago, so I really enjoyed visiting here today. I enlarged the photos and went one by one, enjoying the Chicago River, the Lake Michigan shoreline, the iconic Picasso and your many great photos. Also enjoyed hearing about your studies there. Cheers my friend.
I’m happy that you also had good memories of Chicago. Thank you for your visit. It’s always a pleasure to know about you. 🙂
What a fascinating place, great architecture and some interesting artefacts. Thanks for sharing.
It really is! I always liked it. Thank you, Susan. 🙂
Great sculptures and architecture, HJ!
Thank you, Chris. 🙂
A very striking set of pictures, HJ.
Thanks so much, Tom/ 🙂
I have never been to Chicago, HJ, so I enjoyed the tour of photos and information! 🙂
Thanks you vey much, Donna. 🙂
Aw, so glad you took such beautiful pictures of our lovely city! I took a whole bunch of photographs for my brother who moved to California years ago before birds and the digital revolution. Working downtown for so long I’m afraid I lost interest in the architecture, especially as more new buildings sprung up. I have been on the architecture boat tour and it is great. This is a wonderful collection! 🙂
Now you know, I always remember Chicago. I keep good memories of the city and friends. Thank you, Lisa. 🙂