This book is an exploration of Chicago's land values over a century, from 1830 to 1933, with insights into the forces that have shaped its physical growth throughout different historical periods. These periods include the canal land boom, the railroad era, the post Civil War boom and fire, the first skyscraper and world's fair boom, and finally the land boom after World War I and its ensuing depression. The author analyzes the demand and supply of Chicago land, the causes of differences in land values within the city, and the long -run trend of population and land values by districts. Thematic depth is provided by a discussion of the relationship between the growth of Chicago and the rise of its land values, and an analysis - complete with statistical summary - of the Chicago Real Estate Cycle. The author concludes that land values in Chicago are ultimately based on the capitalization of net income and that speculative errors in calculating future income have been a major source of instability in the Chicago land market. This book provides valuable insights into the dynamics of urban land markets and the relationship between real estate and the broader economy, making it a valuable resource for urban planners, real estate professionals, and anyone interested in the history of Chicago.