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Today in History: Chicago officially incorporated as a city today

3/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 4, 1837, Chicago was officially incorporated as a city. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it has since grown to become the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.74 million as of the 2020 census. Chicago is also the seat of Cook County, the second-most populous county in the nation.

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Story summary

On March 4, 1837, Chicago was officially incorporated as a city. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it has since grown to become the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.74 million as of the 2020 census. Chicago is also the seat of Cook County, the second-most populous county in the nation.