New City, Chicago facts for kids

New City is one of Chicago's 77 official community areas. Think of a community area as a big neighborhood or a group of smaller neighborhoods that Chicago uses to organize itself. New City is located on the southwest side of the city, in a larger part of Chicago called the South Side. It includes two well-known neighborhoods: Canaryville and Back of the Yards.

This area was once home to the very famous Union Stock Yards. These huge stockyards were a major part of Chicago's history until they closed in 1971.

What is New City?

New City is a vibrant part of Chicago, known for its rich history and strong community spirit. It's one of the many unique areas that make up the diverse city of Chicago. Each community area has its own story, and New City's story is deeply connected to its past as a center for industry.

Where is New City?

New City is found on the southwest side of Chicago. This location made it a key spot for industries that needed easy access to transportation, like railroads, which were important for moving goods and animals in the past. Being on the South Side means it's part of a large, historic section of the city.

Neighborhoods in New City

New City is made up of two main neighborhoods, each with its own special character.

Canaryville: An Old Neighborhood

Canaryville is one of Chicago's oldest neighborhoods. It has a long history, much like its neighbor, Bridgeport. These areas have been home to many families for generations, and they have a strong sense of community and tradition.

Back of the Yards: A Working History

The Back of the Yards neighborhood got its name because it was located right behind the famous Union Stock Yards. Many people who worked at the stockyards and in the meatpacking factories lived in this area. It was a busy place, full of the energy of a working-class community.

The Famous Union Stock Yards

The Union Stock Yards were a huge and very important part of Chicago's history. They played a big role in making Chicago famous around the world.

What were the Stock Yards?

The Union Stock Yards were a massive complex where livestock (like cattle, pigs, and sheep) were brought from farms across the country. They were then sold, processed, and sent to meatpacking plants. It was like a giant market and factory all in one place, covering many acres of land.

Why were they important?

For many years, the Union Stock Yards made Chicago the meatpacking capital of the world. They created thousands of jobs and helped the city grow rapidly. The stockyards were a symbol of American industry and how food was produced on a large scale. They were a central hub for the nation's meat supply.

When did they close?

The Union Stock Yards operated for over a century, but times changed. New ways of transporting and processing meat developed, and the need for such a large central market decreased. The stockyards finally closed their gates in 1971, marking the end of an important era for Chicago.