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I am reading a book right now called “Devil in the White City” by Eric Larson. It is a non-fiction book that tells the story of the World’s Fair in Chicago (1893). It follows the growth and progress of Chicago and brings to life the great men behind this proud city and the largest fair the U.S. has ever seen. As you read about the years progressing up to the fair, you are also following the story of a serial killer in the same place at the same time. I haven’t quite figured out whether these two stories make sense, told together, but, I am enjoying the book thoroughly.

I am in awe of the city that Chicago was back at the turn of the century. Built along stockyards that fed the nation and filled the city with nauseous smells, on the shores of mighty Lake Michigan, this city rose out of flat Illinois landscape. It was burned down to to the ground only to rebuild itself even greater. Their was a fierce pride and ambition in the people of Chicago. Reading about the great architects who built its skyscrapers and famous buildings is fascinating.

So, now I REALLY want to go to Chicago. I want to see all the sites I mentioned in my last post as well as visit all the historic sites I am reading about in this book…The Rookery, Jackson Park, the Stock Yard gate next to where the “bridge of sighs” was located, etc. What a very fascinating and very American city!

Being isolated in the middle of the country, it developed a culture that was less “diverse” as that of New York or San Francisco. The people are fiercely American and proud of their mid-western roots. Chicago’s rise to power could never have happened without the prominence of the railroad and the cattle industry.

I often think that reading a historical account of the formation of Las Vegas would be equally as fascinating. It is also a city that rose to eminence in an isolated part of the country and has an interesting past. It would not be there had it not been for California’s strict laws against gambling that caused people to cross the border into Nevada to spend their hard-earned pay.

Anyone know of a good book about Las Vegas?

At any rate, read “Devil in the White City” and then visit Chicago!

Thanks to Jetzenpolis for the great Chicago skyscrapers picture!