Welcome to The Chicago Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Chicago Fire releases preseason roster

• Chicago Bulls game recap

• A deep dive into the life of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It doesn't matter if I don't succeed in something. What matters is if I learn from my mistakes."

- Linda Evans

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What year was Chicago officially established as a city?

A) 1875

B) 1884

C) 1893

D) 1902

News

💼 Business

Trammell Crow Company and Krusinski Construction are developing a 778,000-square-foot food distribution facility for Kraft Heinz at ChicagoWest Business Center in Dekalb, anticipated to be delivered in 2025. (link)

Industrial experts in Chicago predict a promising year in 2024 following a challenging 2023. Factors like Federal Reserve policies, interest rates, and resilience in industrial demand play a role in shaping the market. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Chicago Bulls faced off against the Toronto Raptors and the Memphis Grizzlies during this period. Their performance against the Raptors was notable, especially given the Raptors' recent roster changes and the Bulls' recent game outcomes. The match against the Grizzlies was anticipated to be a win for the Bulls, considering the Grizzlies' significant injury challenges, including the loss of key players like Ja Morant. (link)

The Chicago Cubs made a significant move in the international free agent market by signing shortstop Fernando Cruz to a $4 million signing bonus, the largest such bonus in the team's history. This signing indicates the Cubs' commitment to strengthening their roster with promising international talent. (link)

Chicago Fire Preseason Roster: As they gear up for the Major League Soccer season, the Chicago Fire released their preseason roster. This release is part of their preparations, highlighting their strategy and team composition for the upcoming season. (link)

🏦 Finance

A Chicago financial advisor was charged with swindling clients out of nearly $1.5 million. The advisor, working for a bank, allegedly solicited clients to invest in purported movie productions while using the funds for personal benefit. This case underscores the importance of vigilance in the financial advisory sector. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Indiana State Sycamores at UIC Flames Hockey (January 24): A dynamic hockey game at Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC. The Indiana State Sycamores and UIC Flames face off in a game that's sure to showcase some great athletic talent. (link)

🏀 Marquette Golden Eagles at DePaul Blue Demons Men's Basketball (January 24) Join the crowd at Wintrust Arena for a gripping basketball game. The Marquette Golden Eagles take on the DePaul Blue Demons in what's expected to be an intense and spirited match. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Travis Scott at United Center (January 22): Experience the high-energy performance of Travis Scott, a renowned name in the music industry, known for his dynamic and immersive concerts. (link)

🎸 Morat at Rosemont Theatre (January 24): Enjoy the vibrant and melodious tunes of Morat, a band known for their catchy and soulful music, in a venue renowned for its excellent acoustics. (link)

🎶 The Naked Brothers Band and Nat & Alex Wolff at Beat Kitchen (January 24): Relive your childhood memories with The Naked Brothers Band and Nat & Alex Wolff, delivering a nostalgic and fun-filled musical evening. (link) 

Family

🎭 Oh, The Places You’ll Glow at e.t.c. Theater at Second City (January 24): A delightful and humorous theatrical experience perfect for families, showcasing a blend of comedy and vibrant performances. (link) 

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Chicago as a giant eco-friendly treehouse community” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Chicago Historical Events

The Great Chicago Fire (1871)

The Great Chicago Fire, one of the most significant events in the city's history, began on the evening of October 8, 1871. The blaze started in a small barn belonging to the O'Leary family, situated on the city's southwest side. Though the exact cause remains unknown, the fire quickly escalated, fueled by the city's wooden structures, narrow alleyways, and the prevalent drought conditions.

Over the course of two days, the fire raged uncontrollably, devastating the heart of Chicago. The conflagration engulfed the central business district, obliterating homes, businesses, and landmarks. The city's rudimentary firefighting resources were overwhelmed, unable to contain the inferno. Residents fled their homes, seeking safety as the flames spread across the urban landscape.

In the aftermath, the fire had consumed an area of about 3.3 square miles, leaving more than 100,000 residents homeless and causing an estimated $200 million in damages. The disaster served as a pivotal moment for Chicago, sparking not only physical rebuilding but also significant advancements in fire safety and urban planning. The city's reconstruction efforts laid the foundation for the modern metropolis Chicago is known today, rising from the ashes to become a symbol of resilience and architectural innovation.

Famous People From Chicago

Jean Baptiste Point du Sable

Early Life and Origins (1750-1770s)

Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, whose birth date is unclear but likely around 1750, had a multicultural heritage, believed to be of African and French descent. He spent his early years in the Caribbean and Europe, receiving education in France, which shaped his diverse cultural understanding and linguistic skills.

Arrival in North America and Early Ventures (1770s-1780s)

Du Sable arrived in North America in the 1770s, initially settling in areas near New Orleans and then in the Great Lakes region. He engaged in trading and developed connections with various Native American tribes, showcasing his adaptability and business acumen.

Settlement Near Chicago (1780s-1790s)

By the late 1780s, Du Sable established a trading post near the Chicago River's mouth, effectively becoming the first permanent non-native settler in the area that would become Chicago. His settlement included a house, trading post, and farm, marking the beginning of a permanent community.

Family Life and Community Building (1790s-1800)

Du Sable married a Potawatomi woman named Catherine, with whom he had two children. His family life and connections with the Native Americans were integral to his role in the region, fostering a multicultural community.

Contribution to Chicago's Early Development (Early 1800s)

Du Sable's settlement laid the groundwork for Chicago's development. He established key trade routes and cultivated relationships that were crucial for the area's growth and the establishment of Chicago as a significant trading hub.

Legal Challenges and Property Rights (1800-1810)

Despite his contributions, Du Sable faced legal challenges, particularly concerning property rights. These challenges were reflective of the broader legal and social landscape of the time.

Later Life and Move to Missouri (1810-1818)

In 1810, Du Sable sold his Chicago property and moved to Missouri, where he spent the remainder of his life. His departure from Chicago marked the end of a significant chapter in the city's early history.

Death and Legacy (1818)

Jean Baptiste Point du Sable passed away in 1818. His legacy as the founder of Chicago was not widely recognized during his lifetime, but his role as the city's first non-native settler and a pioneering figure in its early history has been increasingly acknowledged over time.

Recognition and Memorials (Posthumous)

In the years following his death, Du Sable's contributions have been recognized through various memorials and dedications in Chicago, including the naming of a high school, museum, and street in his honor.

Key Achievements:

• Recognized as the first permanent non-native settler of what later became Chicago.

• Established a successful trading post and farm at the mouth of the Chicago River.

• Fostered relationships with various Native American tribes and local communities.

• Laid the groundwork for the future development of Chicago as a trading hub and city.

• Overcame challenges related to property rights and legal issues of the time.

• His multicultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit contributed significantly to the early history of Chicago.

Jean Baptiste Point du Sable's life and achievements as the first permanent non-native settler of Chicago are pivotal in the city's history. His multicultural background, trading expertise, and establishment of a community laid the foundations for the city that Chicago would become. His legacy endures as a testament to the diverse roots and rich history of one of America's greatest cities.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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