When comparing the historical origins of Chicago's iconic sports franchises, the Chicago Cubs stand as the significantly older organization. The baseball club traces its professional roots back to the 1870s, originally founding its identity as the Chicago White Stockings before eventually becoming known as the Cubs, making them one of the oldest continuously operating professional sports organizations in North America. Conversely, the Chicago Bears were founded later as part of the formative years of professional football in the early twentieth century. This historical timeline establishes the Cubs as a foundational pillar of Chicago's rich sports heritage long before professional football arrived in the city.