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St. Louis is winning this poll, yet no one has cited any specific examples of how they were unfairly treated during Chicago's rise.
I see St. Louis as more of a has-been than a never-was. That could be said for most of the cities listed.
If any city here was 'cheated' out of a destiny, it would be Birmingham. Atlanta moved in and ate its lunch.
Chicago - because it enjoyed alpha status for such a very short period of time before being eclipsed by LA.
How does the rise of Los Angeles in anyway diminish Chicago? Were a certain number of slots allotted to the US for "Greatness" and LA stole Chicago's spot?
As a Chicagoan, how do I see LA: as a truly great, truly global city, fully respecting it for the powerhouse it is. For its rise: I'm happy for it. Chicago didn't lose a thing with it happening. I have no doubt that the Chi-LA connection is valuable to both cities. I mean, c'mon, Route 66 never could have become the icon it is if it didn't both start and end in two truly great cities.
St. Louis by far out of this list. So many missed opportunities to become another Chicago. Others that should be on the list include Louisville, Cincinnati, and Memphis. All are unsungs...
Louisville was cheated out of its success primarily due to the economic decline beginning during the last mid-century. Louisville was one of the largest cities in the region, and a very important transportation/manufacturing hub. Due to white flight, and a few economic and natural disasters, the city never recovered its momentum from before that time. Today Louisville is a notable regional city with a strong economy, but is eclipsed by regional peers (Nashville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, etc.) which play on a national level. Louisville is also hindered by being located in an unprogressive state. City leaders wiped out entire historic neighborhoods for urban renewal type of projects. Louisville also lost many buildings due to the interstate system.
Cincinnati was cheated out of a subway system due to a number of factors. The city became filthy, crime ridden, and experienced racial tensions which greatly destroyed its once industry leading reputation. Cincinnati has recovered and boasts a strong economy, but is still hindered by mismanagement and its topography to some degree. Like Louisville, Cincinnati serves two regions, which helps it maintain its role as a transportation and manufacturing hub. Cincinnati continues to attract and retain many white collar jobs in its core and suburbs while offering professional sports/retail/amenities not found in Louisville.
Memphis cheated itself, primarily. Political corruption, economic decline, crime, failure to lift poor and low income population out of poverty, failure to attract new jobs are all blunders for Memphis. Memphis continues to decline and is overshadowed by regional peers, mainly Nashville and Atlanta which continue to drain the city of any consideration otherwise. Memphis is plagued by its crime-ridden reputation, even when some areas are safe. Memphis is the redheaded step-child of the state. Memphis has more in common with Mississippi than other parts of Tennessee. Memphis boasts a proud musical heritage and regional cuisine.
Saint Louis seems to be the likely candidate. The story goes that it was once proposed to be the relocated US capital because of it’s location and easy access by river and rail. That was probably a pipe dream. The city shot itself in the foot by limiting its size and separating from the county so it is small in size with a huge number of suburban municipalities. It also ignored Chicago’s growth and comeback after the fire. In 1880 St. Louis ‘s first census was thrown out because they padded the rolls with fake people in an attempt to stay ahead of Chicago. Meanwhile, Chicago had St. Louis in the crosshairs and made every effort to disparage the city and Missouri in general. The state was portrayed as lawless and a haven for outlaws and a poor choice for business. St. Louis was asleep at the wheel. It was the 4th largest city in the US at one time but lost its race with Chicago. Now, St. Louis is a noble Eastern-style city with a medium population and famous for infrastructure and distinct neighborhoods and a sturdy residential base.
How was San Diego cheated out of greatness and if it was, what is the definition of greatness? I grew up in LA and people think much more fondly of San Diego than LA for the most part.
They were probably (and reasonably) pissed because Chicago reversed its river and sent its collective sh*t flowing toward St. Louis.
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