Mystery—never being able to completely comprehend that which has captured your heart—is an important component of falling in love. Chicago’s immigrant past and present may well be why no one can quite figure this city out.
But if you’ve ever been struck by a sense of wonderment in Chicago, there’s probably an immigrant story behind it, perhaps even one about how this stubborn city “invited them, accepted them, and made them free of the place.” That spot on the corner you’ve always admired? It’s a church that German Catholics poured their hearts into—motivated in part by a desire to show up the Lutherans and the Irish. That theater or restaurant or bar you frequent was more than likely built by someone born in a town you probably can’t pronounce, who had to work harder than you’ve ever had to just to compete against other immigrants from places you can’t pronounce. If you like that you have the weekend off to wander around Chicago, you can thank the Chicago immigrant labor organizers who worked tirelessly for the 40-hour workweek.
