Discover the fascinating history of Chicago's Union Stockyards, from its early beginnings as a small livestock market to becoming the largest meatpacking center in the world. Learn how Chicago's location as a rail hub played a crucial role in the growth of the meatpacking industry, and how the invention of the refrigerated railcar transformed Chicago into a national meatpacking hub. However, the success of the stockyards came at a cost, as the working conditions and slums surrounding the stockyards were notorious. The video also covers the great fire of 1910 and the downfall of the Union Stockyards. Finally, explore what remains of the historic site today. Don't miss this fascinating look into the history of one of America's most iconic industrial sites.