A strategic location
Chicago stood between the established eastern economy and the rapidly developing Midwest and West while also benefiting from Great Lakes transportation.
A transfer point
Many railroads converged on Chicago. Freight and passengers often transferred between companies, creating enormous yards, terminals, warehouses, stockyards, and industrial districts.
Industry follows transportation
Meatpacking, manufacturing, grain trading, wholesale commerce, and warehousing all benefited from Chicago's transportation network.
Still important today
The Chicago region remains a critical freight-rail gateway. Its importance also creates congestion challenges because so many railroad routes and traffic flows intersect there.