<Ul> <Li> The first star represents Fort Dearborn . It was added to the flag in 1939 . Its six points symbolize transportation , labor , commerce , finance , populousness , and salubrity . </Li> <Li> The second star stands for the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 , and is original to the 1917 design of the flag . Its six points represent the virtues of religion , education , aesthetics , justice , beneficence , and civic pride . </Li> <Li> The third star symbolizes the World 's Columbian Exposition of 1893 , and is original to the 1917 design . Its six points stand for political entities Chicago has belonged to and the flags that have flown over the area : France , 1693 ; Great Britain , 1763 ; Virginia , 1778 ; the Northwest Territory , 1789 ; Indiana Territory , 1802 ; and Illinois ( territory , 1809 , and state , since 1818 ) . </Li> <Li> The fourth star represents the Century of Progress Exposition ( 1933 -- 34 ) , and was added in 1933 . Its points refer to bragging rights : the United States ' second largest city ( became third largest in a 1990 census when passed by Los Angeles ) ; Chicago 's Latin motto , Urbs in horto ( `` City in a garden '' ) ; Chicago 's `` I Will '' motto ; the Great Central Marketplace ; Wonder City ; and Convention City . </Li> </Ul>
what do the stars on the chicago flag represent
Fort Dearborn the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 the World 's Columbian Exposition of 1893 the Century of Progress Exposition ( 1933 -- 34 )