What is Chicago Considered to Be the Best At: Elevators, Pizza, and More
From elevators to deep dish pizza, Chicago has earned its reputation as a city that stands out. This article explores the fascinating history and cultural phenomena that have made Chicago a unique and celebrated urban center.
The Invention of Elevators and the City of Big Shoulders
Elevators were a game-changer in urban architecture. Prior to their invention, buildings rarely exceeded five or six floors because they were unsustainable without a means to transport people up and down. This all changed when Elisha Otis, a New York inventor, introduced the safety brake in 1854.
His innovative device featured a small sheave that rode along the main support cable, maintaining the brake open. In the event of a cable break, a lever would rotate, releasing wedges that would secure the elevator car to the guide rails, preventing any potential fall. This invention catalyzed the growth of the construction industry and led to Chicago becoming the epitome of towering skyscrapers and big shoulders for its industrious residents.
Deep Dish Pizza and the Sordid History of Pizza Politics
Deep dish pizza is a defining feature of Chicago cuisine. Its distinctive style, featuring a thick, pizza-like pie, has captured the hearts of many. However, the pizza scene in Chicago is not just about delicious bread and toppings—it is intertwined with the city’s complex political history, particularly involving the esteemed Al Capone.
The rise of deep dish pizza in the 1940s coincides with the era of gangsters and organized crime. Businesses like Pizzeria Uno, known for serving the first deep dish pizza in 1943, have become synonymous with Chicago's history and the dark period of corruption and violence associated with mob figures. This blend of culinary art and criminal past reflects the city's broader character—a place where even the most quintessential dish is deeply connected to its turbulent history.
Chicago’s Other Notables: Culture, Tradition, and Innovation
Chicago is known for several iconic symbols and cultural phenomena beyond its culinary delights. The blues genre has originated and thrived here, with legendary musicians like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry making their name in the city's vibrant music scene. The city's flair for grand theatrical productions has also led to its nickname as the "City of the Big Shoulders."
The art of storytelling through the Chicago Exposition Railway, featuring the breathtaking scenes at Union Station, and the enduring popularity of TV shows and films set in Chicago, such as "The Blues Brothers" and "The Sting," further solidify its status as a city rich in cultural offerings. The movie "The Blues Brothers" even references the city proudly in the iconic line, "This is the Windy City! That's why it's the Blues Brothers, they never blow you away!"
Conclusion
From its architectural marvels, rich cultural heritage, to its culinary delights, Chicago's reputation is well-deserved. The city continues to surprise and captivate the world with its innovation, creativity, and resilience.
Keywords: Chicago, elevators, pizza, deep dish pizza, history