South Chicago factory district

The Calumet and Chicago Canal and Dock Company, incorporated in 1869, lobbied Congress successfully for legislation which provided funds to deepen the Calumet river and improve other facilities. In 1873, South Chicago was made a port of entry. Early development, as seen in this post card view, was concentrated along the river. This scene c1870s predates the coming of the large steel mills when industry was dominated by lumber yards, planing mills, sawmills and coal yards. As the community grew, it spread westward away from the river. One of the early main streets of South Chicago was Harbor Avenue which paralleled the river.