Following the great popularity of the Encyclopedia of Cleveland, published in 1987 by Indiana University Press, the Press approached the Chicago Historical Society about leading an effort to create an encyclopedia on the history of Chicago. Initial efforts to move forward on this new encyclopedia project stimulated great interest and enthusiasm, but the project eventually stalled, and the idea for an encyclopedia of Chicago history lay dormant for several years.

After more than a decade of labor, the Chicago Historical Society, Newberry Library, and Northwestern University have put online an electronic version of the Encyclopedia of Chicago. The range of topics is diverse, from advertising to Zoroatrianism. To get as sense of how to navigate the web site, check out this user's guide. For the entire catalog check out the link below.