Second to None
Chicago: The Second City
- 60% Combed Ring-Spun Cotton, 40% Polyester
- Vintage print
- Crew Neck
- Unisex Style
- 4.3 oz.
- Designed and Printed in Chicago
In the late 1800s, Chicago was battling New York for the selection as the host city for the Columbian Exposition. Chicago was second to New York in total population but was gaining on them. Even though Chicago won, it was often referred to as the Second City. However, the nickname did not gain much traction until 1950 when a New York writer released a book called “Chicago: The Second City”.
Another way at looking at the “Second City” moniker, Chicago was essentially burned to the ground during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It provided an opportunity to rebuild a bigger and better city, this time not made of wood. Therefore, the Chicago we know today is the second version of (the first being pre-fire).
In 1984, Los Angeles passed Chicago as the 2nd largest city. As the home to Hollywood, even though they became the 2nd largest city, L.A. did not assume the Second City moniker.