Chicago Was Never the Second-Largest U.S. City

Contrary to common belief, Chicago has never ranked as the second-largest city in the United States. Historical census rankings:

• 1890–1980: Consistently 3rd (after New York and Philadelphia until 1950, then New York and Los Angeles).
• 1990–2000: Dropped to 4th after being surpassed by Los Angeles and Houston.
• 2010–present: Remains 3rd (after New York and Los Angeles), with Houston close behind.

The "Second City" nickname originated from its rapid rebuilding after the 1871 Great Fire, not population rank.