History of the Construction of the Railroad System.

1848: The first railroad that connected to Chicago is built.

Galena & Chicago Union depot

William B. Ogden (Chicago's first mayor)

In 1847, William B. Ogden (Chicago's first mayor) was convinced that railways would shape Chicago's future. The plan was to build a rail line to the city west of Chicago, Galena. Railways at the time were still new and not well used. Ogden couldn't find any investors because of how much of a risk it seemed. Instead, he was able to convince farmers that to invest. He convinced them that it would make transportation of their goods significantly easier, faster and cheaper. This rail however, never actually reached Galena. However, in the first year of operation the Galena & Chicago Union’s investor profited over 60%. From there on, Chicago began a railroad building spree. By 1948 to 1856, Chicago had ten railroads, totaling over 3000 miles of track.

The rail line between Chicago and Galena on a map.

Chicago's Railroad Pattern

By the 1850s, the construction of railroads made Chicago a major hub; over 30 lines entered the city. The main lines from the East ended in Chicago, and those oriented to the West began in Chicago.

1892: The Lake Street Elevated Railroad is built.

This is a picture of The Lake Street Elevated Railroad in 1894. Now known as the “L”.

The L was constructed in 1892, it replaced gas-lit cars with a train powered by electricity.

1904: Grand Union Station is built

The Grand Union Station

The Grand Union Station (also known as Grand Station or Union Station) was a big step in the railroad industry in Chicago and opened many new railroads. These new railroads are what connected Chicago to the rest of the United States.