in the 1840s, Chicago had no railroad. the streets were dirt, and rain made the streets mud. it was difficult to travel in the town. it didn't seem to be a good place to start a factory.
McCormick's factory, however, helped Chicago grow. using McCormick's machines, farmers were able to plant and harvest more wheat. chicago soon became a large city and the principal wheat market in the world.
Cyrus McCormick beacme a rich man. His machines were used around the world. McCormaick's reaper and other machines are still helping farmers grow more food for hungry people.