WI: Auto industry based out of Chicago

Delta Force

Banned
Chicago is already the center of the American railroad and it became the center of the airline industry as that developed. Chicago's dominance of those industries is due to its geographical location, so it is unlikely to go elsewhere. If Chicago becomes the center of the automobile industry it might later diversify into aerospace and other transportation and military sectors.
 
One of Chicago's greatest strengths is its diversified economy - no sector makes up more than 8% of Chicago's business and output. The auto industry would tilt that ratio and could end up being a weakness as American automakers boom and bust. When did the industry end up being centered in Detroit anyway and why?

Cheers,
Ganesha
 
When did the industry end up being centered in Detroit anyway and why?


A combination of geography and luck. First of all, Henry Ford and Ransom Olds lived there. As for the geography, iron ore was imported from the Mesabi Range in Minnesota, and there was ample timber in Michigan itself. (Early car frames were made out of wood.) Rail and water routes allowed easy shipping of cars to cities like Chicago and New York City. On top of this, Detroit already hosted heavy industry like machine shops and stove works.
 
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