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The National Stockyards
The National Stockyards was, at one time, a major source of employment for East St. Louis area residents. Like many of the area's major industries, however, it fell into decline beginning in 1950s. Major companies like Swift and Armour closed their doors and moved out of the area. In 1997, a devastating fire swept through National City destroying its City Hall, its police station and its fire station. Rumors circulated at the time that the fire may have been deliberately set to destroy the company's records and hide evidence of embezzlement. The damages from the fire exceeded $1 million but the insurance coverage was for only $100,000. Unable to sustain such a loss, Stockyards officials announced that the facilities would be shut down by December 31, 1997. An auction barn, on a much smaller scale than the famous Stockyards, was constructed in Greenville to accomodate the needs of local farmers. At present, the Stockyards itself is all but deserted. A few businesses remain active on the outskirts of the now-defunct National City but only a minimal staff is maintained on-site by the company itself. Access to the area is restricted and permission to visit must be obtained from company headquarters. One can inquire at the "Inn Again" for details. In the meantime, click here to view photographs of the area as it appears today. |
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