RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Chicago City Council want to recognize the many contributions of Chicago to the United States railroad industry; and
WHEREAS, The City. Council has been reminded about Chicago's railroad legacy by the Honorable Matthew J. O'Shea, Alderman of the 19th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Chicago"s railroad heritage goes all the way back to: November 20, 1848, when the first railroad track was laid between Chicago and the city now known as Oak Park; and
WHEREAS, As the railroad industry grew exponentially, the center of the railroad industry for both passengers and freight became Chicago. Ali the major railroads ran through the City, many were headquartered in the City and they had yards and shops here; and
WHEREAS, The railroad manufacturing industry also had a major presence in the City. Makers of freight cars, passenger cars and diesei locomotives had manufacturing plants and main offices in Chicago. For example, Pullman cars were manufactured here. This history was recently recognized by the establishment of the. national Pullman Historic District; and
WHEREAS, Chicago continues to be the hub of the United States railroad industry as the crossroads for the nation. Almost all railroad lines go through the-City and only New York.City commuter .trains carry more passengers on a daily basis than those in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Chicago's heritage of being at the forefront of the railroad industry is hot widely recognized or understood; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and membersof the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 20m day of September, 2018, do hereby acknowledge Chicago's enormous 'contribution to the railroad industry by designating November of 2018 "Chicago Railroad History Month." .