Chicago's landscape has helped to shape the city throughout its existence. As with most of the area around the Great Lakes, Chicago is mostly flat due to the sliding of glaciers over the region during the formation of the lakes. Chicago sits upon layers of sedimentary rock and is flat, with some hills. The easy access to the water allowed Chicago to become a perfect choice for a settlement. Easy transportation of goods to other locations was also possible via the Mississippi river, which became a major shipping route during the expansion of the United States. The easy connection to major shipping routes and flat, fertile land below it gave Chicago the nutrients it needed to flourish. Chicago was established during the early 19th century, but was demolished by native tribes. Later, the town was reconstructed and was officially founded in 1837. Chicago was destroyed once more in 1871 due to the great Chicago fire. The city was rebuilt, and evolved with the rest of the United States into the 20th Century.
The following are three maps from different time periods detailing the expansion of Chicago.
The following are three maps from different time periods detailing the expansion of Chicago.