If you’ve ever taken a stroll along Lake Michigan, you may have felt a stronger breeze along the water, but that increase in wind speed is actually not why Chicago is called the windy city. So where did the Chicago “windy city” nickname come from? Skydeck has the scoop on this mysterious moniker.
Is Chicago a Windy City?
Contrary to popular belief, Chicago is not the windiest city in the United States. That honor goes to Boston, Massachusetts, which boasts wind speeds that are regularly up to two miles per hour faster than Chicago’s. In fact, Chicago doesn’t even rank on most top 10 lists for wind speeds in America, so why is Chicago called the windy city?
A Different Kind of Wind
One of the first known instances of Chicago’s “windy city” nickname came from a New York Sun reporter named Charles A. Dana in 1893, who editorialized that the city’s politicians were “full of hot air.” Chicago and New York were in a head-to-head competition at the time to host the next World’s Fair, and Chicago’s “windbag” advocates were not shy about campaigning for their hometown in order to win. Despite Dana’s best efforts to discredit Chicago as a “windy city”, the 1893 World’s Fair was held in Illinois, not New York.
Even before the World’s Fair debate, there were other published instances of the windy city nickname. The Cincinnati Enquirer used the term in 1876 in reference to a tornado that blew through the city, while also capitalizing on the term’s double meaning to highlight local speakers who were “full of wind.”
From there, the nickname stuck, and the rest is history!
Other Chicago Nicknames
The Chicago “windy city” nickname usually is what sticks in people’s minds, but there are several other names Chicago is known for:
- Chi-town: Pronounced shy-town, this is a shortened version of the city’s name
- The City of Big Shoulders: Taken from the first line of Carl Sandburg’s poem, “Chicago”
- The Second City: This one has two possible meanings. The first refers to when Chicago was the second largest metropolitan city in the United States during the early 20th century; the second calling on when the city had to rebuild itself for the second time after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
What Else is Chicago Known For?
Take a look at the other nicknames for Chicago, and you’ll have a pretty clear idea of what else the windy city is known for! From Italian beef to Second City, Chicago has forged a path and made history in a wide array of industries. Here are just a few that every Chicago history buff should know about:
- Meatpacking: Chicago is a railroad hub positioned at the center of the country, making it the perfect location for packing meat supplied by midwestern farms.
- Cuisine: Home of deep-dish pizza and the Italian beef sandwich, Chicago is renowned for these and other famous local foods.
- Architecture: Chicago was rebuilt at a furious pace following the Great Chicago Fire, and the result was an influx of new designs and innovative building techniques.
Skyscrapers: The world’s first skyscraper was raised in Chicago, the 10-story Home Insurance Building. Our very own Willis Tower is currently the third-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
Chicago is Fun By Any Name!
Why is it called the windy city? We’re not full of hot air when we say Chicago is great! You can experience everything the city has to offer for yourself when you plan a visit. While you’re here, be sure to add Skydeck to your must-see list! We offer incredible views of the Windy City for an adventure you’ll never forget. Save time when you get your tickets online!
Frequently asked questions
Why is Chicago called the Windy City?
The nickname originally had less to do with weather and more to do with politics. In the late 1800s, rival newspapers—especially in New York—mocked Chicago politicians for being “full of hot air” as the city lobbied to host the World’s Fair. Earlier references also tied the phrase to both windy weather off Lake Michigan and “windy” public speakers. Over time, the nickname stuck and became part of Chicago’s identity.
Is Chicago actually the windiest city in the U.S.?
No. While breezes off Lake Michigan can feel strong, cities such as Boston, Kansas City, and Amarillo regularly record higher average wind speeds. Chicago’s average wind speed is about 10.3 mph, which doesn’t place it in the top 10 nationally.
When did people start using the nickname?
The phrase appeared in print as early as 1876 in the Cincinnati Enquirer, but it gained national attention in 1893 when New York newspaper editor Charles Dana used it during the competition for the World’s Fair. His intent was to criticize Chicago boosters, but the city embraced the name instead.
What are some other nicknames for Chicago?
Chicago has collected many nicknames over the years, including:
- Chi-Town – a popular shorthand among locals and visitors
- The Second City – linked both to Chicago’s rise as the nation’s second largest city and to its rebirth after the Great Fire
- The City of Big Shoulders – from poet Carl Sandburg, celebrating Chicago’s strength and working-class roots
How does Skydeck connect to the nickname today?
Standing 103 stories above the city on The Ledge at Skydeck, visitors see firsthand why Chicago lives up to its reputation. The panoramic views stretch across Lake Michigan and the skyline, and on breezy days the gusts outside make the “Windy City” name feel especially fitting. It’s one of the best places to experience Chicago’s famous nickname in action.