How Chicago Became the Heart of America

A deep dive into Chicago, the Capital of the Midwest and host of the 20204 Democratic National Convention. This is a complete, remastered version published previously in four parts.

Discover Chicago: The Crossroads of America
0:00 Welcome to Chicago
1:20 A Sleepy Frontier Town
2:04 Railroads Help Industry Takes Off
3:10 Prarie Boomtown
5:00 Union Stockyards
6:24 The Battle Against Cholera
7:10 Chicago's Innovative Water System
9:02 Reversing the River

Nuclear Industry of Illinois

[CCTH-lpzj]

I grew up in the NYC area(North Jersey) however when I was in 8th grade National Geographic did a story on Chicago and after reading it on a Friday our Social Studies teacher asked us what do we see ourselves doing in the future. I said I’ll live in Chicago. Of course my classmates chided me and many said you’ll never leave here. So for me the almost 3 years I lived in Chicago was one of most satisfying experiences of my life. I’ll never forget going jogging by Lake Michigan on my first Saturday there and being left speechless as I looked at the skyline. Love Chitown

[Clerkenwell]

That was an amazing documentary I freaking love this city

[willrobinson]

Chicago is a stunningly beautiful city, and the river splitting the downtown adds so much character to the city.

[keiwei]

A 4 part series and now a proper documentary we are getting spoiled, love the content!!!

[TheDailyConversation]

A complete/remastered version of the 4-part series on Chicago I published earlier this year. I've been meaning to stitch it together and figured the DNC starting in Chicago tonight was about as good a time as ever. I have a new mini-doc on Johannesburg that I'm really excited to show you next week! Hope you don't mind this (sort of) repost

[RWildekrav]

Chicago, the GREATEST City in the United States !

[ntatenarin]

This was amazing! It felt like Chicago always had some challenge, then bounced back over and over again. A very interesting story filled with scenarios that seemed unbelievable: reversing the river, making the city literally rise, bouncing back after a fire, building the first modern skyscraper, water holding chambers, being a transportation center, the World's Fair, and more and more! I'm a nerd, so I loved visiting Fermilab and its many museums. And its skyline is a magnificent work of art.

Thanks a lot for this amazing documentary!

[WhereIsHeist]

The city of Chicago owes TDC. Well done

[JohnnyBean]

What a take on Chi-town. I partially grew up in Rogers park and moved to Itasca when I was 3. I think this is one of the best Chicago history videos I've seen. I think Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert would give it TWO Thumbs UP!! Amazing!!

[jayeff]

I love home. I grew up 3 hours away with a fascination for Chicago for as long as I can remember. I was the only kid in Jr high with a newspaper subscription: The Trib. I always knew I would live here, and I have for nearly 20 years, and have loved every minute of it. Chicago showed me the world.

[c.i.demann]

looks like it's time for a vacation in Chicago.

[jesusalmaguer]

Finally a documentary about Chicago that excluded the gangs

[AMohit]

It is a very high-quality, impressive, informative, and professional work. Very well done!

[lookitsvane]

Southsider born and raised, I’m never leaving this city.

[DeleneGillen]

This is a city that I miss a lot as some many cool things are there and the people have a great work ethic.

[WillHellmm]

This feels like a classic history channel special or even more like a wttw special

[JoeButter-jc]

I have been to all the European capitals and I still love Chicago the best.

[TM]

As a lifelong Chicagoan I never have been able to figure out why nothing is named in honor of Chesbrough, no street, no park, no school...

[mr.monaco]

Amazing thank you for creating such a wonderful piece

[dtraw]

Best thing I ever did was leave the south and move to chicago. Never been happier. Amazing video