C is for Cities

Illinois has cities of all sizes and shapes. Cities are built for many different reasons. Some of the first cities in Illinois were built near rivers and lakes for easy travel. Certain Illinois cities are political sites while others are known for manufacturing. Farming communities are located throughout the state of Illinois.

Illinois' largest city is Chicago. It is located on the shore of Lake Michigan. 75% of Illinoisians live within commuting distance of Chicago. Chicago is known as the windy city. Chicago's skyline is beautiful. In 1884, the first metal skyscraper was built in Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire. Today, Chicago's Sears Tower is the world's tallest skyscraper. Chicago is the transportation and industrial center of the United States. Rockford, Peoria, Springfield and Aurora are Illinois' other large cities.

Three Illinois cities were home to Presidents of the United States. Ulysses S. Grant lived in Galena. Abraham Lincoln lived in Springfield, and Ronald Reagan grew up in Dixon.

Learn more about cities in Illinois by clicking on the links below or by completing our online activities.
 

• City of Chicago: This site has information on Chicago including landmarks, tourist attractions, history, industry and manufacturing. The Fact Book section is especially helpful for writing reports.
• Centerstage's Chicago Facts: This site has facts and figures about Chicago.
• Chicago Facts: This site has BIG facts about Chicago.
• Chicago Weather Records: This site has information about the high and low weather extremes in Chicago.
• Chicago Fire!  Learn about this amazing fire that destroyed thousands of buildings and read about one young girl's narrow escape.
• Great Chicago Fire and the Web of Memory: This online exhibition produced by the Chicago Historical Society to mark the 125th anniversary of the Fire. Site includes essays, biographies, and images.
• Sears Tower: This site created by the Chicago Public Library describes the Sears Tower.
• Chicago Timeline: This site is a brief chronological history of Chicago.
• Architecture: This site has highlights of Chicago architecture.

• City of Peoria: This site has information on Peoria. The Welcome section describes the history of Peoria.
• City of Rockford: Learn all about Rockford at this site.
• Springfield: Explore the city of Springfield at this site.
• Online Springfield: This site has information on Springfield including landmarks, facts and weather.
• Aurora: Learn all about Aurora at this site.
• Galena: Learn all about this historic town.
• Alphabetical Listing of Cities and Municipalities: More and more of the cities, municipalities, towns and villages in the State of Illinois are creating their own web sites. Click here to find information about the places you are interested in learning more about in Illinois.