25 Photos of Chicago Life Through the Years
While it may be known as The Windy City, Chicago is home to a lot more than inconvenient weather. Staples such as Wrigley Field have defined this third largest city in the United States. It’s a place where many got their humble beginnings, like Michael Jordan…maybe you’ve heard of him?
Many have walked the streets here, such as Martin Luther King Jr. to advocate for civil rights as well as former President Barack Obama where he and former First Lady Michelle started their careers and life together. Get inspired for your next visit with photos of Chicago life through the years…
While it may be known as The Windy City, Chicago is home to a lot more than inconvenient weather. Staples such as Wrigley Field have defined this third largest city in the United States. It’s a place where many got their humble beginnings, like Michael Jordan…maybe you’ve heard of him? Many have walked the streets here, such as Martin Luther King Jr. to advocate for civil rights as well as former President Barack Obama where he and former First Lady Michelle started their careers and life together. Get inspired for your next visit with photos of Chicago life through the years.
1955
With ads for Old Dutch Root Beer, hotels and businesses were thriving on West Madison Street in Chicago.
1958
We hope firefighters were off to the rescue as a stockyard fire was seen rising above the city over the South Side.
1959
Baseball was just as big back then as it is today in The Windy City. Athletes Dick Klein of the Chicago Bears and Darris McCord of the Detroit Lions shake hands after a game at Wrigley Field.
1960
An orderly crowd, including Martin Luther King Jr., stood outside the Republican National Convention on the street to advocate for their civil rights platform with signs that read “Human dignity must win”.
1960
Looking radiant in a dress and heels, this young woman was seen waiting for her train at Union Station. The strike of the Pennsylvania Railroad caused thousands of delays for passengers.
1965
Hands held, citizens joined Chicago Freedom Movement members to protest under Chicago L. They called for the termination of school superintendent Benjamin Wills over delays in integrating surrounding schools.
1966
In an ever-changing landscape, the Twin Towers were hard to miss in this evolving city. Unlike most of the other buildings, these apartment buildings stood out with their circular shape.
1973
Near 43rd and Indiana Avenue, a quiet morning is captured on the South Side of Chicago filled with bustling small businesses and residences.
1973
“Thrifty One Stop Shopping” was the tagline to Lake Meadows Shopping Center. Also seen on the South Side is a vintage Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant (abbreviated today to KFC).
1975
These kids have the moves! Seen on the sidewalk in a residential neighborhood in Chicago with not one, but six children jumping at once!
1979
Did someone say snow day?! The streets were covered in feet of snow after a blizzard which brought more than 20 inches.
1980
There’s nothing quite like Wrigley Field in Chicago. In a packed stadium, the Chicago Cubs were seen playing the Philadelphia Phillies.
1984
Before Oprah became who she is today, she was seen hosting the show ‘AM Chicago’ with the same smile we all know and love.
1985
Michael Jordan was seen in the early days of his career going for the shot. Number 23 would soon be the player to watch for the Chicago Bulls and a name the whole world will cheer for.
1987
Talent ran the streets of Chicago. Two young men were seen skateboarding and doing one-arm handstands near 87th Street on a sunny day.
1990
The music scene in Chicago has always been top-tier. Rapper Queen Latifah was seen performing a show at the International Amphitheater.
1997
Words exchanged during the free-throw attempt in the fourth quarter between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan just might be the most iconic photo on the internet. The Bulls defeated the Lakers but Bryant, seen here at age 19, had a team-high of 33 points.
1999
Runners were seen taking part in the 26.2 mile LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon which is one of the major races known worldwide. Runners come to this coveted event from near and far to participate.
2010
A couple years into his first term, President Barack Obama was seen speaking at a Democratic event for candidate Alexi Giannoulias at the Drake Hotel.
2015
Tour boats were seen on the Chicago River past Michigan Avenue. The river draws millions of tourists each year and on Saint Patrick’s Day the water is green!
2015
A staple to the city, the Tribune Tower seen here was home to CNN’s Chicago bureau. The landmark is part of the Michigan-Wacker Historic District.
2019
As the leaves were beginning to change, Crown Fountain, Cloud Gate and Jay Pritzker Pavilion can be seen from the aerial view as well as the beloved Bean.
2020
Days before the national lock-down because of COVID-19, tourists explore Millennium Park and visit the Bean up close for that perfect Chicago photo opp.
The Obama Presidential Portraits were seen on display at The Art Institute of Chicago. The paintings of Barack Obama by Kehinde Wiley and Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald are now part of the National Portrait Gallery.
2021
The Navy Pier is the place to be, especially in the summertime! This lakefront destination has something for everyone from restaurants to a ferris wheel, shopping and more.
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