Which Iowa Town is the Real ‘Little Chicago’
If you grew up in Iowa, there's a good chance you've heard someone call a town in your neck of the woods 'Little Chicago'. And it's not said in a flattering sense. But I've got news for you: There are quite literally dozens of cities in the Hawkeye State told that title over the years.
But which town in Iowa is the real 'Little Chicago'? Let's take a look at the contenders.
Waterloo, Iowa: Growing up in "The 'Loo", I've heard this nickname my entire life. Waterloo got this moniker due to it's crime rate and influx of illegal drugs into the city. However, overall crime and violent crime offenses have been on a downward trend in recent years.
Sioux City, Iowa: It appears that Sioux City was the first Iowa town to be given this infamous nickname.
Located in the heart of America, Sioux City, Iowa, carries a distinct nickname: ‘Little Chicago.’ But why is Sioux City called Little Chicago? This moniker, intimately tied to Sioux City history, hints at a vibrant past steeped in the Prohibition era. To comprehend why Sioux City is known as ‘Little Chicago,’ we will delve into its historical roots, explore the origin of the nickname, highlight influential figures and events, and examine its contemporary characteristics.
-Carhop Website
Fort Dodge, Iowa: Fort Dodge appears to be one of the more recent towns given the nickname 'Little Chicago'. Like Waterloo, Fort Dodge has had an ugly reputation in recent years in regards to crime and drug offenses.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa: By most accounts, the 'City of Five Seasons' is a vibrant and growing city that has a lot going for it. Yet, some have also given CR the nickname of 'Little Chicago', due to its recent issues with crime and guns.
Davenport, Iowa: Davenport (one of the Quad Cities) is the closest in proximity to the actual city of Chicago. On the one hand, Davenport is highly touted as one of America's Best Places to Live, according to US News & World Report. On the other hand, like some of the other cities on this list, recent bouts with crime and drugs have given Davenport this "not so friendly" nickname.
So, there's the list of the top contenders. Which of them is the true 'Little Chicago'? Of course, it's a totally subjective question. For me, growing up in Waterloo and hearing that nickname bandied about my entire life, I'm going with the 'Loo.
However, if you ask that very question in the Google Search Engine, you'll get this result:
The Iowa town known as "Little Chicago" is Sioux City. It earned this nickname due to its reputation for illegal activities, especially during the Prohibition era, which mirrored the crime scene in Chicago at the time.
-Google Search of Little Chicago
Story Sources: Carhop Website, KCAU Website, Davenport Iowa Website
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