[Property of the Michigan Central Railroad in Northern Indiana and Chicago]

Cataloging railroad property across Chicagoland during the mid-20th century.

This is a fascinating collection of eight assorted blueprint plans showing the property of the Michigan Central Railroad, prepared for use by the Land and Taxation Department of Chicago, Illinois. The sheets are dated variously from the late 1940s (earliest 1946) to the early 1950s (latest 1951). At the time, the operations of the line (formerly an independent subsidiary) were becoming completely integrated by the New York Central.

Each large-scale map is marked with numbered parcels owned by the railroad and therefore presumably subject to taxation. Major property owners, local businesses, primary infrastructure (water, gas, electricity, etc.), and other relevant features are labeled throughout. The group covers a large area across northern Indiana including Michigan City, Chesterton, South Bend, Porter, and Gary; plus portions of Chicago. Notable corporate operations (not part of railroad property) include Pullman Standard Car Manufacturing, Chicago Consolidated Brewing and Malting, Hydrox, and McAvoy Brewery.