One would be hard pressed to find a product that wasn't made in Chicago at some point in time. Chicago's industrial heritage is all but forgotten, which is unfortunate because the city was once America's second largest industrial metropolis. Chicago has always been home to a plethora of industrial firms, including the country's largest printing, candy, and radio industries, among others. In addition, thousands of smaller, diverse operations produced and continue to produce a wide variety of things.

The city and region developed in specific ways because of industrial growth. For example, factories often provided the economic backbone for entire areas. Chicago's industrial history remains very understudied despite its importance in shaping the region. We intend to provide some much needed coverage of this aspect of Chicago, focusing on such things as notable firms, important industries, and industrial relocation within the region.

• Olson Waterfall: Long-gone 22-acre park built by a rug manufacturer.
  

• Bygone Breweries: The remains of Chicago's once-large brewing industry.
  

• Postcards Part 2 – Factories: Varied look at Chicago industry through postcards.
  

• The Last Days of Washburne: Factory turned trade school condemned for demolition.
  

• South Works: The largest vacant lot in Chicago.
  

• Schoenhofen Brewery: Chicago's most significant pre-Prohibition era brewing structures.