Chicago
 

Since railroads arrived in Chicago in 1848, the city has become a major hub for rail transport, shaping its identity and economy. Over the years, more than eighty different railroads have operated here, ranging from small terminal railroads with just a few miles of track to expansive Class I railroads boasting tens of thousands of miles of trackage. The city has been a central point in the railroad industry for many decades, serving as a crucial link between the East and West Coasts. Today, the city is home to two commuter railroads that connect suburban areas to downtown, in addition to six Class I railroads and thirty-four short line and terminal railroads.  With all this activity, seeing trains in the city is a common sight, a reminder of Chicago's deep-rooted connection to the railroad industry.