After opening on Christmas Day 1865, the Union Stock Yard made Chicago the “Hog Butcher for the World.” In its heyday from the Civil War era through the 1920s, Chicago processed more meat than anywhere else in the world. Fueled by the westward expansion of railroads and the country’s rapid population growth spurred on by European immigration, the stock yards provided meat products and employment development across the country. 

Board the bus at CHM, then head south to Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood with Dominic Pacyga, professor emeritus of history at Columbia College Chicago. First, stop at the Packingtown Museum to get an overview of the Union Stock Yard’s industrial history, cultural heritage, and surrounding neighborhoods. Next, head back the bus for an exploration of related landmarks, such as the Union Stock Yard Gate, St. Gabriel Catholic Church, and Holy Cross Church, and adjacent neighborhoods, such as Back of the Yards, Bronzeville, and Bridgeport, that benefitted from the jobs the stock yards had to offer. 

$55, $45 members. Tour runs 3.5 to 4 hours and begins and ends at the Chicago History Museum.  

Members, please sign-in to your online account to verify your eligibility. Historical Alliance please contact Justina Doyle member relations manager at doyle@chicagohistory.org to make your reservation. 

Masks are optional on bus tours. Learn more about our COVID-19 safety policies and procedures.