Did You Know Illinois Was Home To The Very First Skyscraper Ever?

Illinois is home to many tall buildings, but did you know that the first skyscraper ever built was in Chicago?

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One of my favorite things to do with visitors is to take them into Chicago, especially in the downtown area that is known as The Loop. If they're from a smaller town or rural area, it will blow their mind.

The First Skyscraper Ever Built Was In Chicago

You'll notice that they can't stop looking up at the tall buildings. They're not used to seeing skyscrapers. Most of the structures back where they are from are at most only a couple of stories tall. That's weird to think about for me.

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Of course, Chicago is home to many tall buildings. It's ranked the eighth-tallest city in the entire world. In fact, Illinois has a long history with big structures. Did you know that the skyscraper was actually invented in Illinois?

A local architect by the name of William LeBaron Jenney designed the first skyscraper. It was built in the West Loop area. The project was finished in 1885. That structure was the Home Life Insurance Building.

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Next time you're in the Windy City, make plans to hit one of the more famous buildings in Chicago, like Willis Tower or the Hancock Building. Those structures have come a long way through the years.

According to Skydeck in Illinois, " The Home Life Insurance Building has the distinction of being the first skyscraper. It was completed in 1885, and was the first building built whose entire weight was supported with an iron frame."