Water and Urban Life

Throughout history, people have been drawn to locations along or near waterways. At its simplest level, it is because we all need water to survive. In terms of economy, we need water to transport our goods and services. But to do that we also need a social order as well as a belief in ourselves that we can create economic systems while meeting our overall needs. This natural migration created the beginnings of our urban tapestry. These locations have provided hopes and dreams for so many that have migrated to these areas. But it can also be a source of frustration due to the affects of pollution that can ravage our lives. We have to decide how we want to move ourselves forward.

I hope that the website attached will give you the same degree of enjoyment that it provided me in learning more about the geographic, social, cultural and overall historic roots of Chicago. Have fun as you tour the history of the lakes and waterways that has helped to shape the urban life of Chicago. http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/300020.html