1/1/2014

National City, Illinois

Armour Plant, National City, Illinois

The Armour packing plant in (former) National City Illinois is one of the more infamous industrial ruins in the US. It has been photographed, explored, climbed and discussed by countless people since it was abandoned in 1959. I don't have much to add here. These lousy few photos were taken from the road when I passed through summer 2013. The Armour plant played a key role in the often tragic history of adjacent East Saint Louis. It figures prominently in accounts of the 1917 riots in that city during which over a hundred African Americans were killed by white mobs. The town of National City had always been a 100% company owned town- owned by the St. Louis National Stockyards Company. National City was dissolved in 1996 after it's 50 remaining residents were evicted.

A new freeway and bridge are currently under construction through the area that was formerly National City. I don't know what if anything this means for the ruins of the Armour plant. An on-ramp connecting Exchange Avenue to the new section of freeway is being constructed and Exchange Avenue, where the Armour plant is located, has recently been improved. I'm sure attempts to clear and redevelop the largely vacant surrounding industrial land will follow.

Built Saint Louis has some great photos and information about the Armour plant here.

Substreet.org has an article and photos of the plant here.

 

Armour Plant, National City, Illinois

Armour Plant, National City, Illinois

Armour Plant, National City, Illinois

 

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