Union Stock Yards Collection

The Great Union Stock Yards, Largest Live Stock Market on Earth, Chicago, Illinois, c1930s. Union Stock Yards were the centre of the American meatpacking industry

Cattle, Great Union Stock Yards, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Artist: Underwood & Underwood
Cattle, Great Union Stock Yards, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Stereoscopic card detail

Historic image in black and white of cattle in Union Stock Yards in Chicago, circa 1900; Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

CHICAGO STOCKYARDS, 1878. The Great Union Stock Yards of Chicago. Map by Charles Rascher, 1878

MAP: CHICAGO, 1890. Map of the Union Stock Yards and packing houses in Chicago, Illinois. Engraving by Charles Rascher, 1890

BEEF INDUSTRY, c1928. Unloading beef cattle in the Union Stock Yards in Chicago, Illinois. Stereograph, c1928

BEEF INDUSTRY, c1926. Cattle in the Union Stock Yards in Chicago, Illinois. Stereograph, c1926

BEEF INDUSTRY, c1900. Cattle in the Union Stock Yards in Chicago, Illinois. Stereograph, c1900

BEEF INDUSTRY, c1903. Cattle in the Union Stock Yards in Chicago, Illinois. Stereograph, c1903

BEEF INDUSTRY, c1909. Cattle in the Union Stock Yards in Chicago, Illinois. Stereograph, c1909

CHICAGO: MEATPACKING. Factory workers using the beef cutting machine at the Armour and Company meatpacking house, Union Stock Yards, Chicago, Illinois. Stereograph, c1900-1910

CHICAGO: MEATPACKING. Factory workers packing sliced bacon in glass jars at the Armour and Company meatpacking house, Union Stock Yards, Chicago, Illinois. Stereograph, c1909

CHICAGO: STOCKYARDS, 1878. Entrance to the Union Stockyards, at the time the largest in stockyard in the world, at Chicago, Illinois. Wood engraving, American, 1878

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"The Great Union Stock Yards: A Glimpse into Chicago's Beef Industry" Step back in time to the bustling city of Chicago in the 1930s, where you'll find the largest live stock market on Earth - The Great Union Stock Yards. This historic landmark played a pivotal role in shaping the beef industry and solidifying Chicago's position as a meatpacking powerhouse. Immerse yourself in this captivating black and white image captured by Underwood & Underwood circa 1900. It showcases cattle roaming within the confines of the Union Stock Yards, their presence echoing the magnitude of this iconic location. As you explore further, delve into Charles Rascher's meticulously detailed map from 1878, which vividly depicts just how expansive these yards were. Fast forward to 1890 and witness an intricate map showcasing not only the Union Stock Yards but also its neighboring packing houses. This visual testament emphasizes how integral this area was to Chicago's thriving meat industry during that era. The beef industry thrived within these walls, with images from c1926 and c1928 capturing scenes of workers unloading beef cattle while others skillfully operated cutting machines at Armour factories. These snapshots provide a glimpse into both sides of this vibrant industry - from livestock management to meat processing. Stereographs dating back to early 1900s transport us even further back in time, revealing countless herds grazing peacefully within these vast grounds. These photographs serve as reminders of how instrumental cattle were in fueling economic growth for Chicago and Illinois as a whole. The Union Stock Yards served as more than just a marketplace; it symbolized progress, innovation, and opportunity for countless individuals who found employment within its gates. From farmers bringing their prized livestock for sale to factory workers utilizing state-of-the-art machinery – each person contributed to making history at this remarkable site.