The Rise of the Midwestern Meat Packing Industry

The evolution of the meat packing industry in the Midwest illustrates significant economic growth and industrial development from the 1840s to the 1880s. Initially a seasonal, small-scale activity, it transformed into a specialized manufacturing sector driven by urban demand and advancements in transportation, particularly railroads. Key cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee emerged as industry hubs, while innovations such as ice-packing and refrigerated cars facilitated expansion. Margaret Walsh's study uncovers primary materials that highlight this industry's foundational role in shaping the modern midwestern economy.