Chicago's infamous Union Stockyards inspired Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, provided jobs for millions of Chicagoans and migrants, boosted Chicago's economic and political power, and were hotbed of labor history and struggle.

On this 4-mile, easy-paced (11:00 min/mile) running tour in Back of the Yards/Canaryville with guide John Foley, you'll explore Chicago's past (Hog Butcher to the World!) and possible future (rethinking spaces and resources) inside the Plant. We’ll discuss places like Whiskey Row, the Stockyards, and historic buildings lost to time, as well as examine events like the industrial revolution, unions and strikes in Chicago, the other Democratic National Convention, and a different great fire in Chicago. So much Chicago history is packed in and around the Stockyards! Get ready for some Sandburg, Sinclair, and of course, Slaughterhouse! After our route, we'll meet with John Edel of Packingtown Museum for a discussion and Q&A.

No prior reading required, but as we run routes built by stories you’ll have the chance to purchase the nonfiction book that inspired this route, Slaughterhouse: Chicago's Union Stockyard and the World it Made, at the event!