Since it first grew up along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago blossomed into a vibrant, progressive city with a landscape unlike any other. See how much the Midwest’s cultural center has changed — and how much it’s stayed the same — in Chicago Then & Now. Unstoppably prosperous in the mid-1800’s, Chicago was laid to waste by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The remarkable period following the fire gave rise to some of the world’s greatest architects and engineers — in fact, Chicago was rebuilt within two years and was soon known as the “world capital of modern architecture.”
Birthplace of the Soaring Chicago School and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School of architecture, Chicago is a treasure trove of amazing buildings.
Explore some of Chicago’s best-loved landmarks like Wrigley Field, Washington Park, Sears Tower, John Hancock Building, and St. Patrick’s, the city’s oldest church and survivor of the Great Fire, with intriguing archival images paired alongside modern photos.
Whether you’re just blowing through the Windy City, or happen to be a lucky resident of the area, you’ll find lots of satisfying material in this convenient, take-along edition.

Since it first grew up along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago blossomed into a vibrant, progressive city with a landscape unlike any other. See how much the Midwest’s cultural center has changed — and how much it’s stayed the same — in Chicago Then & Now. Unstoppably prosperous in the mid-1800’s, Chicago was laid to waste by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The remarkable period following the fire gave rise to some of the world’s greatest architects and engineers — in fact, Chicago was rebuilt within two years and was soon known as the “world capital of modern architecture.”
Birthplace of the Soaring Chicago School and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School of architecture, Chicago is a treasure trove of amazing buildings.
Explore some of Chicago’s best-loved landmarks like Wrigley Field, Washington Park, Sears Tower, John Hancock Building, and St. Patrick’s, the city’s oldest church and survivor of the Great Fire, with intriguing archival images paired alongside modern photos.
Whether you’re just blowing through the Windy City, or happen to be a lucky resident of the area, you’ll find lots of satisfying material in this convenient, take-along edition.