Is Lake Michigan or the Chicago River more important? Here's what you told us.

We asked readers which is more important to Chicago historically and today — Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. Here’s what you told us, lightly edited for clarity:

“Lake Michigan. In the early days of the city, the river had to be of great importance for travel and water. Industry eventually overwhelmed it. The lake connects Chicago to the world and will keep Chicago one of the richest cities in the world by giving the city clean freshwater if we keep it that way.”

“Historically, the Illinois and Michigan Canal is more important than either one. Commerce built the city.”

“The confluence of the two bodies of water gave access to wild game both inland and within a vast inland sea. Thus where they meet is the most historically significant location.”

“The city made history by reversing t