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…