Chicago

Structure

Like all the rest of the regions of The Great Lakes Wastelands, Chicago has no formal government. Settlements that are scattered through Chicago are self-governed - though there is contact and trade between settlements. However, with the upcoming Great Lakes Summit, the people of Chicago must choose a representative to send to the summit.

History

Before The Great War, Chicago was full of life. A city that boomed with the advancement of transportation technology, tourist attractions, and the bioengineering of Lake Michigan wildlife. However, not everyone loved the politics of Chicago. The city's police department often made national news for their "tough on crime" policies. Chicago politicians attempted to appease those calling for cutting the police department budget through automation. However, this only enraged the citizens. A schism erupted in June 19, 2072, which led to armed conflict between Chicago residents and the Chicago Automated Police Department. The conflict lasted for 6 months, and ended with the lower south side turned into a walled ghetto. Checkpoints were established throughout the city, and the Chicago police were able to maintain order.

Demography and Population

Pre-war Chicago was infamously segregated and unfortunately not much changed after the war. Though Chicago is home to settlements of ghouls, super mutants, robots, synths, and human beings.

Agriculture & Industry

The Chi rest on the shores of Lake Michigan. Though the waters may be irradiated, through the engineering of water purifiers, The Chi's lakeshore and river settlements can farm a seemingly endless supply of clean drinking water.

Trade & Transport

Guns, chems, food, guns, and armor. These can be found at the big five settlements, and if you are lucky, the Brotherhood of Steel would also be willing to trade. If you are traveling through Chicago, make sure to keep an eye out for the Saffron Caravan Company. Aside from providing shipping services between settlements, the Saffron Caravan Company also acts as a traveling vendor.

Infrastructure

Before the war, Chicago was bustling city. With large skyscrapers and an advanced train system, Chicago was leading the U.S. in public transportation. There are many historical landmarks that have stood the test of time - and the fire of The Great War.

• Nuka Tower is the largest building in Chicago. After being purchased by the Nuka Cola company, Nuka Tower drew in tourists from around the world. Although it served as an office building, Chicago's elite also took residence within Nuka Tower. Now, Nuka Tower is controlled by a camp of super mutants, and all attempts to attack Nuka Tower have completely failed.
• Fort Adler sits on the shores of the former Chicago Museum Campus. The entirety of the museum campus space has been taken over by the Brotherhood of Steel. Paladin Salazar has promised that the day will come when the Brotherhood of Steel claims all of Chicago for the Brotherhood. However, unlike other settlements, newcomers are hardly welcomed, and the Brotherhood does not care for the upcoming Great Lakes Summit.
• Atom's Holy Cathedral is a large cathedral in Chicago. Formerly a place of worship for Catholics, it is now a sanctuary for The Children of Atom. During The Great War, two missiles crashed through the cathedral's roof but did not go off. The Children of Atom view this as Atom himself declaring the cathedral a holy site. The Children of Atom congregate at the cathedral and pray besides these active nuclear weapons.
• U.S. Holding Center remains as a monument to the cruelty of the pre-war era. Before The Great War, the United States government created internment camps to detain anyone who may might be perceived as a threat to the American people. Thus, the U.S. Holding Center was created. The entirety of Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood was surrounded by twelve foot tall concrete walls with automated guards at the ready. Now, the neighborhood is crawling feral ghouls. However, some have rumored that there might be a hidden treasure underground.
• Mexican Consulate saw a huge influx of U.S. citizens revoke their citizenship status to gain full citizenship status in Mexico. Although the majority of people who did this were of Mexican descent, there was sizeable population of people who simply no longer wanted to be associated with the U.S. war machine. The Mexican Consulate is a mysterious place with scientists and Mexican soldiers seen entering and leaving the building.

Type

Geopolitical, County / March

Currency

Like all wastelands, Nuka-Cola bottlecaps are the most common currency in Chicago.

Related Ranks & Titles

• Mayor of Chicago

Related Myths

• The Egg