The Great Chicago Fire

It was hot and dry evening in early October 1871 when Chicago burst into flames. Although the origin of the fire is forever lost in urban legend, the destruction was very real with the wooden shops and hotels of downtown being reduced to ashes. Even City Hall burned down. The raging fire crossed the Chicago River and jumped from roof to roof as citizen ran toward safety of the Lake Michigan. In the end, a third of the city's worth had burned down.

The map below shows the area of the damage.


Yet as traumatic as the Great Fire was, the event turned out to be an incredible opportunity for Chicago as businessmen and land speculators eagerly set out to rebuilding the city beyond its former glory. Like a phoenix, Chicago emerged as a thriving metropolis once again. The event lives on in the life of Chicago and its citizens who view any challenge as an opportunity.

Willis Tower

 

Willis Tower, formerly named Sears Tower, is a 108-story 1,450 feet (442 m) skyscraper that dominates the skyline of Chicago. From its time of completion in 1973 to 1998, it was the tallest building in the world. Although it has been surpassed by towers in Asia, it remains the tallest building in the United States and one of Chicago's most popular attractions.

     

With the Hostel International discount, it costs only 11$ to go up to the 103rd floor observation deck. On a clear day, the spectacular view stretches for over 40 miles! This past year the observation deck added four glass-bottomed balconies nicknamed "The Ledge" where you can straight down as if you were standing on thin air.

For more information visit:

www.the-skydeck.com/