Why is Chicago referred to as "The Windy City"?

sjhodges825

It is often said - erroneously - that this nickname was first used by Charles Anderson Dana, editor of the New York Sun, in 1890 in reference to the city's claims for the World Columbian Exposition. Barry Popik and others, however, have found numerous earlier references to the "Windy City." Earlier attestations are found in the Cleveland Gazette dated September 19, 1885 and the Cincinnati Enquirer dated February 12, 1877 (pg. 5, col. 2); undoubtedly other antedatings will emerge. Some continue to believe that the name may indicate the summer breezes as is described at Weather Doctor's Weather History, but early evidence does not support this theory. 19th-century citations reveal that the nickname arose in connection with (1) the longwindedness of politicians, both residents and those visiting for political conventions; and (2) the city's many boosters who commended the western metropolis to the world's attention. (The complete article on the nickname from the University of Chicago Press's Encyclopedia of Chicago (2004) is available here.) Further explanation of the various origins can be found at Windy City, Origin of Name (Chicago). However, the breeziness of the city's weather helps reinforce the nickname. In Chicago, this nickname has become a signifier for businesses and organizations that are gay-owned or gay-friendly—for example, the Windy City Times is one of the city's two main gay community newspapers, and the Windy City Cycling Club draws most of its members from the gay community. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nicknames_for_Chicago Also see Question #26574 Feb 08 07, 10:30 PM