Transportation and the Location of Cities 
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LHICAGO 3 OTHER MUNICIPALITIES 
£16. 150. Since practically the whole southern coast of Lake Michigan is without deep indenta- 
sions, Chicago has had to make its own harbor by means of jetties. Note the number of railroad 
ines that run into the citv. 
the ends more frequently than any other point. Hence most of the 
important lake ports are near the ends of the various lakes. 
How lakes and railroads have helped Chicago. The largest of the 
lake ports is Chicago, the world’s most important railway center. 
The city owes much of this distinction to Lake Michigan, the south- 
ward extension of which obliges the railroads that connect the eastern 
states with much of the West and Northwest to swing around its end. 
Lake Michigan also causes railroads from the Southwest and South 
to converge near its southern end because it offers such an excellent 
and cheap water route to eastern markets, particularly New York. 
Although not quite at the southern end of the lake, Chicago lies at the 
nearest point where there is even a hint of a natural harbor, and has 
therefore become a great transportation center. 
The routes centering at Chicago vibrate with activity. As you 
read these lines, freight and passenger trains are hurrying to Chicago