Chicago's 175th Birthday: 16 City 'Firsts' Worth Celebrating (PHOTOS)

PHOTOS: Happy Birthday, Chicago! City 'Firsts' Worth Celebrating

Sunday, March 4 marks the 175th anniversary of Chicago's incorporation as a city.

The city, which architect Frank Lloyd Wright famously said he believed will one day "be the most beautiful great city left in the world," has much to celebrate on this day -- and not just our recently decreed title of most corrupt city in America.

In honor of the Windy City's birthday, we've collected some of the city's many, many "firsts" over the years -- including innovations as diverse as nuclear reactions, Twinkies and deep dish pizza.

Of course, there are many notable achievements that we've not included. The Chicago Sun-Times has a marvelous essay documenting many more Chicago-based inventions and "firsts."

Notice something we've overlooked? Be sure to let us know in the comments. Otherwise, happy birthday, Chicago! The Chicago Tribune reports both the Chicago History Museum and DuSable Museum of African American History are celebrating the occasion Sunday.

Before You Go

First skyscrapers

Happy Birthday, Chicago! Chicago Firsts

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