Packingtown

Packingtown is a neighborhood in Chicago historically known as the center of the city’s meatpacking industry. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a major hub where livestock was slaughtered, processed, and packaged, supported by numerous factories and cold storage facilities. Its growth attracted a diverse workforce, including many immigrant workers. The area played a significant role in shaping Chicago’s industrial economy, but also raised concerns about working conditions and labor rights. Today, Packingtown is part of the Near West Side and is recognized for its industrial legacy, with some historic sites preserved as part of Chicago’s history.