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Chicago City Council Proceedings
Explore this collection of early petitions, ordinances, communications and other official records from 1827-1933 to discover how police and fire protection, public works, schools and taxation originated in Chicago. Find out about the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal beginning in 1827, the incorporation of Chicago as a town in 1833, and the Great Fire of 1871 and its aftermath.

Experience a tour of the Illinois & Michigan Canal on the Chicago Historical Society website.

Take a panoramic view of Chicago in 1858 photographed by Alexander Hesler, from the Chicago Historical Society website.