Since 1882, The Belt Railway Company of Chicago has been an integral part of railroad operations in the Chicago.

The Belt Railway began as the idea of real estate promoter John B. Brown, who recognized in the late 1870s the need for a terminal railroad in Chicago. Brown and his associates chartered the Chicago & Western Indiana Railroad, the original parent company of the Belt Railway and during a four-year period, they constructed a series of connecting railroads that formed a "belt line," which linked every major railroad in the city and also served the industries in the South Chicago and Calumet districts.

The Belt Railway grew along with the city of Chicago, adding to its facilities, elevating part of its tracks, and making other improvements in order to do a better job handling its business. As the years went along, it became apparent that the growth of the city would force the railroads to construct their large terminal classification yards outside the city limits and away from congestion. The Belt built their massive Clearing Yard just outside of Chicago's southwestern limits.

The Blackhawk Chapter presents a historic reprint of a map issued by the Belt Railway of Chicago as it was in 1937, as the country was trying to get out of the Great Depression while war clouds were gathering in Europe. The map shows all Belt Railway trackage along with connecting railroads and important junctions.

This 18” by 27” folded map is priced at $5 and can be purchased at:

• any Blackhawk Chapter monthly meeting
  7:30 PM on the 1st Friday of the month (except July and August)
  Gladys Fox Museum
  9th Street and Washington Street
  Lockport, Illinois
  
  
• any swap meet or train show attended by the Blackhawk Chapter.
  See the Schedule for our next appearance.