Chicago stockyards

The Chicago Stock Yards, located on the city's Near Southwest Side, were a significant part of Chicago's industrial development in the 19th century. As a major transportation hub, Chicago's railroads facilitated the collection and processing of commodities like grain, lumber, and meat. The stockyards were central to the meatpacking industry, which, along with railroads and steel, became one of the largest employers in the city. This industry contributed to Chicago's growth as a focal point for collecting raw materials and sending processed goods to markets across the United States and Europe.12