Union Stock Yards facts for kids
The Union Stock Yard & Transit Co., often called The Yards, was a huge area in New City, Chicago. It was a major center for meatpacking. The Yards first opened in 1865. A wealthy businessman named Cornelius Vanderbilt helped fund its creation. This important place operated for 106 years. The famous writer Upton Sinclair was inspired by the Yards to write his book The Jungle.
The stockyards became a starting point for some of the world's first big companies. The Yards are now a very important part of Chicago's history and popular culture.
From the time of the American Civil War until the 1920s, Chicago processed more meat than any other place. The peak year was 1924. The Yards finally closed on July 30, 1971. This happened after many years of decline. The meatpacking industry started to spread out to other places.
The Union Stock Yards were recognized as a special place. They were named a Chicago Landmark on February 24, 1972. Later, they became a National Historic Landmark on May 29, 1981.
Images for kids
-
Birdseye view, 1890
-
General view of the Union Stock Yards, 1901.
-
Aftermath of the 1934 fire.
-
The Union Stock Yards in Chicago in 1878
-
Panorama of the beef industry in 1900 by a Chicago-based photographer
-
The Union Stock Yards Livestock Pens, 1880
.jpg)
