Forgotten Rail Yard Under Chicago's Largest Historic Building - Merchandise Mart
It’s History3 Des 2022

Forgotten Rail Yard Under Chicago's Largest Historic Building - Merchandise Mart

Did you know that Chicago has a massive building with its own zip code? That's right, and in 1930, the Merchandise mart opened its doors to the world as the largest building in the world. The 4 million square foot area served such a large influx of visitors daily that it required its own L stop and connection to Chicago's now abandoned 60 miles of underground freight tunnel. Perhaps what mystifies me most is that Merchandise Mart was built above a massive train yard and that, for many decades, sub-terrain freight train delivery was possible in the heart of Chicago. This near-century-old art deco masterpiece still stands on the bank of the Chicago river and serves around 20,000 people daily in modern times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episoder(551)

New York's Most Disturbing Island | The History of Rikers Jail

New York's Most Disturbing Island | The History of Rikers Jail

Delve into the history of Rikers Island, the notorious jail complex in New York City. This video explores the origins of Rikers Island as a jail, its growth from a small facility to an overcrowded com...

4 Apr 19min

Why There’s an Abandoned Mansion Beneath the Bay Bridge

Why There’s an Abandoned Mansion Beneath the Bay Bridge

Every day, thousands of drivers cross the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge without realizing they are passing over the abandoned Nimitz House on Yerba Buena Island. This residence was once home to Adm...

3 Apr 18min

Why Pacifica California is Falling into the Sea

Why Pacifica California is Falling into the Sea

Perched along the cliffs just south of San Francisco, Pacifica, California, was built on a dream of ocean views and quiet living. However, this dream conceals a dangerous reality. Developers initially...

2 Apr 13min

Why NYC Built Skyscraper-Sized Sewer Tanks

Why NYC Built Skyscraper-Sized Sewer Tanks

Beneath New York City lies a 7,500-mile labyrinth that processes billions of gallons of waste daily. This underground network, built over two centuries, includes forgotten tunnels, Civil War-era infra...

1 Apr 14min

Why Route 66’s Bridges Are Collapsing

Why Route 66’s Bridges Are Collapsing

Across the American heartland, historic bridges line the old alignment of U.S. Route 66, many abandoned for decades and at risk of collapse. This episode explores how this iconic highway became a grav...

31 Mar 13min

Why Chicago's Worst Public Housing Project became a National Disgrace

Why Chicago's Worst Public Housing Project became a National Disgrace

Cabrini-Green, once a nationwide symbol of crime and urban decay, has seen gradual demolition over the past two decades. Originally home to 15,000 residents, the complex has transitioned into new reta...

29 Mar 19min

Why Coal Breakers were Horrific Places to Work (Coal Breakers Explained)

Why Coal Breakers were Horrific Places to Work (Coal Breakers Explained)

Coal breakers were essential machines in coal mines, responsible for breaking large chunks of coal into smaller pieces. They were the heart of the operation, despite being loud and dirty, requiring si...

28 Mar 9min

Why Hundreds of New York Ships were Abandoned on Staten Island

Why Hundreds of New York Ships were Abandoned on Staten Island

The Staten Island Boat Graveyard, located at 2453 Arthur Kill Road in Rossville, has roots dating back to the 1930s and has been known as the Witte Marine Scrap Yard and Arthur Kill Boat Yard. Now ref...

27 Mar 18min

Populært innen Historie

rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
historier-som-endret-norge
rss-katastrofe
rss-benadet
henrettelsespodden
historier-som-endret-verden
sektledere
aftenposten-historie
rss-nadelose-nordmenn-gestapo
med-egne-oyne
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
rss-frontkjemperne
taakeprat
rss-gamle-greier
historiepodden
historiepodden-ww2
rss-historier-fra-gudbrandsdalen
liberal-halvtime
rss-politisk-preik
vare-historier