Historic Illinois Stockyard Building Destroyed by Flames
Firefighters from a dozen communities were unable to save the venerable National Stock Yards exchange building, which burned today in a spectacular blaze believed to have started in a restaurant.
Buildings in the stockyard complex date from the late 19th Century. The fire was reported at 3:39 a.m. in the west wing of the U-shaped structure and within four hours most of the building was in ruins.
Despite the fire, livestock sales were not disrupted. About 1,500 hogs and 1,200 cattle were sold by dealers who set up shop in a parking lot.
National City is directly across the Mississippi River from downtown St. Louis. A huge plume of smoke from the fire was visible for miles.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
