Chicago, West Pullman and Southern

Delving into the rich history of Chicago's railway past, we uncover the story of the Chicago, West Pullman & Southern Railroad. This line, a crucial part of the city's industrial landscape, played a significant role in connecting key manufacturing operations.

A Vision of Industrial Integration

The Chicago, West Pullman & Southern Railroad (CWP&S) originated from the forward-thinking vision of Cyrus McCormick in the 1880s. His goal was to establish an integrated manufacturing process for his International Harvester Company. To achieve this, McCormick gained control of a steel company, which evolved into Wisconsin Steel, strategically located on Chicago's South Side. The CWP&S was then constructed to facilitate the crucial transport of materials between the steel plant and McCormick's burgeoning operations.

Serving Industry, Facing Challenges

The CWP&S was primarily powered by EMD switchers and served the Wisconsin Steel Plant, though it was never directly owned by Wisconsin Steel itself. The railroad's operational life extended until 1983. A significant labor strike ultimately led to the permanent closure of the steel plant, and with it, the decline of the railroad's fortunes. Though management attempted to leverage the CWP&S name to operate other lines, the distinct identity of the railroad eventually faded.

Legacy and Present Day

Today, the former shops of the Chicago, West Pullman & Southern Railroad are utilized for locomotive repairs, though the railroad itself is gone. What remains of its right-of-way is now part of Chicago Rail Link, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of urban rail infrastructure. The CWP&S stands as an interesting case study for railroad historians, model train enthusiasts, and local residents interested in Chicago's railroad and industrial heritage.