Map of Chicago District Showing Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad

Postwar map of the largest switch carrier in the United States.

This map highlights the routes in operation of the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad. The IHB was one of three primary belt railway companies that began operations in the late 19th century to help relieve Chicago’s congestion issues. It remains in operation today as the largest switch carrier in the United States.

Lines stretch from the Norpaul Yard in Franklin Park, Illinois to Gary, Indiana. The primary yard was at Blue Island and the company headquarters were located in Hammond. A fascinating variety of other railroad infrastructure is also labeled. Published in Chicago in 1946.