| Chicago, Illinois has always been the main crossroads of the United States. As a statement to this fact, all transport modes intersect in Chicago with five highways, six railroads, a world class airport and a major port facility. The Port of Chicago has been the most active mode of transport for trade shipments in the region. Since 1921, the port has been in important operations. The origin of the port is linked to the passing of a state legislation authorizing the construction of a deep port at Lake Calumet. That deepwater port is still Port of Chicago's basic framework for industrial development and commercial shipping. The Port of Chicago is undoubtedly keeping its function and prerogative as a major link connecting an inland-river system, the area's Great Lakes and of course, the global marketplace through port operations. The Atlantic Ocean can be easily reached by vessels from the port via St. Lawrence Seaway. The Mississippi and Illinois Rivers on the other hand are providing means and channels to help vessels carrying cargoes reach the important destination of Gulf of Mexico from the port. With this, it can be asserted that indeed, the Port of Chicago is a major transportation hub. |
