Union Stock Yard Company

The Union Stock Yard Company was a major livestock auction and handling business in Chicago, founded in the late 19th century. It provided a centralized place where farmers and ranchers could bring their cattle, hogs, and sheep to be sold through auctions. The company operated large facilities to process and organize the buying and selling of livestock, making the distribution of meat and animal products more efficient across the United States. Its development helped establish Chicago as a leading hub for the meatpacking industry, significantly impacting agriculture, commerce, and transportation in the region.