Love it or hate it, the “L” is an integral part of Chicago history and culture.

The City Gallery, located inside of Chicago’s historic Water Tower, is definitely worth checking out if you’re shopping along Michigan Avenue. Especially, if you’re in need of a break from the hustle and bustle of the crowded Gold Coast streets.

Before there was Target or Wal-Mart, even before clearance items or sales racks, there was Maxwell Street Market. A bargainer’s haven, the little thoroughfare on the near west side is open every Sunday.

Before boasting the big red Macy’s star, Marshall Field’s was a Chicago shopping staple. Check out the history of this famed department store.

A uniquely Illinois holiday, Pulaski Day not only celebrates the man behind the name, but all of Chicago’s dense Polish heritage.

An etymological breakdown of the word Chicago, which completely breaks down into gibberish. Shish kebab? Not quite, Ace.

The Haymarket trial is largely seen “as one of the worst legal miscarriages in history.” The incident lead to an international outcry for labor rights & soon after May Day was founded to commemorate the 8 hour movement.

When admiring Chicago’s imposing skyline, it’s hard to believe that 140 years ago, this great city was brought to its knees by a fire that raged for nearly three days.

Jane Addams is regarded as one of the most respected women in history. Addams opened the Hull House in 1889, the first settlement house in the United States. The house is now a museum.

Some people call him the luckiest guy in the world, to others he’s simply “Hef” but whichever name he responds to, he created it for himself right here in Chicago.

When Chicago hosted the Worlds Fair in 1893, they demonstrated that they were more than just a meatpacking city, they were an international mecca of culture and industry.

Did you know that Chicago was named after an onion? Or that the remote control and 16 inch softball were both invented in Chicago?

You’ve heard of the famous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre on Clark; now learn a little bit more about how Al Capone ran Chicago in the 1920s and 30s.

Newspapers in Chicago are far from gone, and neither is the debate over the Sun-Times vs. the Tribune.