social studies

After the 1800's, Chicago was known for heavy industry. This included industries such as steel, meatpacking, automobiles, and fabrication of consumer goods. The city attracted large numbers of immigrants and entrepreneurs who helped develop these industries and established Chicago as one of the country’s leading industrial centers. This was done through railroad construction and transportation, which facilitated the growth of the industrial sector in Chicago. The city also had a highly developed financial sector, and its famous Stock Yards, were established in 1864, to provide consumers with access to fresh beef from the Midwest. This continued to be a major manufacturing, distribution, and financial hub for the rest of the century.