Chicago turns 173!

What is currently the third largest city in the U.S. was at one point a lakeside marshland inhabited by the Miami and Mascouten tribes. On Mar. 4 Chicago celebrated 173 years as an established city and celebrations ensued. Mayor Daley held a birthday party at the Chicago History Museum complete with cake, a variety of music and select historic readings.

It's really hard to imagine that less than two centuries ago, the very place you are standing on was barely inhabited. Originally a trade junction between neighboring Native American tribes, the area was only permanently inhabited by the Powatomi. When Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable arrived in the early 1800s, he became the first non-indigenous settler in the area. Thanks to his collaboration with the natives, the area where Chicago would be established became the thing the city is most known for, a trading post. As the population and infrastructure grew, Chicago was finally granted city status on Mar. 4, 1837.

Its prime location allowed Chicago to quickly become the main connection between the eastern and western U.S. with its first major railroad being built just one year after the city was founded. Its easy access to the Great Lakes also permitted ships to use the city as a passing and connection lane. Even in the modern technology age, Chicago still stands as a major railway and cargo ship crossroad in the U.S.

Needless to say, the quick evolution of Chicago into a major city did have its downfalls. Buildings were built carelessly and out of shoddy materials. City services did their best to maintain order and cleanliness, but things were quickly turning sour. All this eventually led to a cow getting spooked and allegedly starting the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Despite the devastating outcome and number of lives lost, the fire allowed Chicago to rise from its ashes and rebuild itself properly.

Few cities get second chances like Chicago did, and this truly benefited the city, which rose and kept rising. Chicago became the home of the first skyscraper in 1885, and they just kept coming. Although Chicago's skyline may not be as iconic or recognizable as New York's, it sure has more character. Were it not for the fire, Chicago would not look the way it does today.

When one looks back it becomes clear how 173 years of progress can affect a settlement built in the right place. Few cities have the character and charisma found here. From the moment it was built, Chicago knew it was going to be fighting for second place, and it has made it tough for anyone to dethrone it. Make sure to wish this amazing city a happy birthday and hope it can remain as great for another couple of centuries.