State Historical Society of Iowa

“Sirloin Special” Hauling Cattle from Hampton, Iowa, to Chicago during Iowa Beef Month, October 1950

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Convoy of more than six identical trucks lined up on the road, all loaded with cattle. No cattle are visible, though.
Courtesy of the State Historical Society of Iowa, Associated Press, October 1950

Description

This photograph shows a convoy of trucks known as the "Sirloin Special." They are hauling cattle from Hampton, Iowa, to Chicago during Iowa Beef Month. Chicago was a major meat-packing hub for cattle producers. The population of Hampton, Iowa, was 4,432 in 1950.

Source-Dependent Questions

  • Was this image taken in a rural area or an urban area? Use evidence from the image to support your answer.
  • How did the trucks and roads help the cattle farmer?
  • How did these trucks help the workers do their job?