Why is Fort Dodge nicknamed “Little Chicago”?

Why is Fort Dodge nicknamed “Little Chicago”?  The primary, original reason is that its downtown architecture was intentionally designed to resemble the grand buildings of Chicago, particularly in the early to mid-20th century.  The architectural plan of Fort Dodge was intended to create a similar urban feel and commercial district as that of Chicago. 

The Little Chicago nickname reflects a historical period in which Fort Dodge aspired to have a kind of big-city municipal blueprint and cosmopolitan sophistication, thereby constructing and maintaining its distinctive, Chicago-inspired buildings.  In other words, Fort Dodge was apparently modeled after Chicago as a symbol of urban pride for the city. 

Another notable factor was the importance of the railroad in town.  The Chicago Great Western Railway and Illinois Central served as major connectors to Chicago, turning Fort Dodge into a bustling industrial and transportation hub in the early to mid 20th century.  The Little Chicago to Big Chicago railway was integral to regional commerce and transportation. 

Of course, the Little Chicago nickname also evokes the Alcohol Prohibition era filled with speakeasies, bootleggers, and related organized crime legends.  Popular stories suggest that during the 1920s and 30s, gangsters or mobsters from Chicago used smaller towns like Fort Dodge and Mason City to lay low periodically.  There were rumors of Al Capone and other disreputable figures staying in local hotels.  Many of these stories continue to remain popular today, even if they are sometimes based on exaggerated or false accounts. 

No matter the reason for the nickname, Fort Dodge seems to be stuck with it.  Rather than shying away from the nickname, should our city consider openly embracing it for new commercial development reasons?  What about the possibility of opening up new downtown restaurants, brew pubs, nightclubs, hotels, theme parks, shops, festivals, etc., with a “Little Chicago” name or theme and maybe a related 1920s-30s decor?  Any thoughts pro or con?