The Rise of the Midwestern Meat Packing Industry

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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.