Intermingle! Natives and Tourists Alike (Ch. 4)

Though Chicago is not technically apart of the Megalopolis, it shares some characteristics of such cities. In the main heart of Chicago, many industrial buildings and financial buildings are located in close proximity to wholesalers, museums, and government buildings. These complexes are all connected through the streets on which taxis, cars, buses, and horse drawn carriages travel, along with the above and grounded trains, and on the water with water taxis and similar boats.

One of the most famous roadways that is tied to Chicago is Route 66. The historic route connects Chicago with cities across the Midwest all the way to California. This route connects Chicago to one of the most important ports on the West Coast. The relativity flat surface of Chicago helps distinguish itself from other cities throughout the region. Another similar aspect Chicago has in common with New York is its location. Unlike some of the other Megalopolis cities, Chicago does not have to contend with a fall line. Like New York, Chicago is located right on a large body of water that acts as transportation and a stop on the way to other ports across the country and the world. Though it is not directly on the Atlantic Ocean, the ships that make port in Chicago can make it the other ports, other cities of the Megalopolis, and other countries. An advantage it has is its close proximity to the interior and the ocean. The access that it has to both aspects of the country, through railroads, ships, and trucks gives Chicago an advantage that other cities may not have.

These advantages allow the citizens of Chicago to be able to mix and mingle in many different atmospheres. The train stations, the efficient public transportations, and along the street, there is a constant ability to interact with others if one so choose. The city offers many places for tourists and natives to interact. Millennium park, Michigan Avenue, and Shedd Aquarium are just a few examples where tourist and natives are likely to mingle.

These amusements are uniquely clustered along the waterfront. Similarly, the Financial district, the Grand Central Station (which serves as a public transportation hub), and the residential districts are all clustered. The separation of these distinct areas also set Chicago apart from most cities across the United States.