Chicago was established in 1831 as a city for trade and making money. It had a climate with four seasons that was livable, with abundant natural resources like good soil, water, trees, and wildlife. The city was located on major rivers and lakes, making it ideal for transportation of goods. Early traders like John Baptiste Pointe du Sable recognized the opportunity to profit from Chicago's strategic location and established it as a hub for commerce between Native American groups and European settlers. The goal of building a city focused on trade and profit has driven Chicago's growth over time into a major economic center.