why is Chicago called "The Windy City"?

Question

In the late 1800s, Chicago evolved as a railroad center and all travel east and west came through Chicago. And it was the largest city near the center of the continental U.S. As a result it became a mecca for conventions because of its relative central location. The biggest and most covered conventions were the political parties. There were so many political conventions with long-winded speeches that a Chicago newspaper man said that Chicago had become the "windy city." It had nothing to do with the weather or Mrs. O'Leary's cown.

Answer 1

politicians

Answer 2

It's actually got nothing to do with wind. The nickname "Windy City" was given to Chicago because when New York and Chicago were competing for the World's Fair over a hundred years ago, a New York journalist commented that the Chicago politicians were "old windbags."

Answer 3

Chicago is called the "The Windy City" because back in the day the politicians use to make long winded speeches about there city. Chciago became known as the windy city.

Answer 4

A New York paper editor called it the " the windy city" because Chicago beat NY for the Worlds Fair in 1893. An insult, I guess.

Answer 5

While this sounds more colorful than most I have always read and heard that it is the windy city because of the winds wipping down from Canada across the expanse of the Great Lakes.

Answer 6

Its not any more windy there than anywhere else, its just the the wind that comes across the lakes is colder than average so you feel it more. So they call it the windy city, its just more noticeable.

Answer 7

Its called The windy city because its by the lake [ Lake michigan ] and the lake produces more wind in the city.

Answer 8

Well, you just said it: the politicians are really the ones responsible for Chicago's moniker. The wind is only secondary.

Answer 9

Ohh I thought it was called the windy city because people who lived there had flatulance problems.

Answer 10

Interesting! I always wondered why it was called that. Here in OK, the wind is terrible some days!! MOST days!

Answer 11

Why wouldn't it be to do with the weather? I spent a whole winter there and believe me, it deserves that nickname. Beautiful place though, and lovely "natives". My kinda town!