The Yards to which this Chicago neighborhood's name "Back of the Yards" refers to are the once-world-famous Chicago Stockyards. The Union Stockyard Gate has stood in this richly historic part of the city for over 125 years, and now stands as a memorial to the stockyards which gained Chicago the reputation as being "Hog Butcher to the World".

Primarily residential, this neighborhood is in the process of urban renewal and revitalization. The Back of the Yards Council Ballet Folklorico has been giving the youth of the community a cultural focal point for nearly 10 years.

Back of the Yards has a strong retail area, located along 47th Street and Ashland Avenue. This area includes many family-owned businesses, as well as national chain stores.

I-90/94 runs north and south through the east side of this neighborhood allowing easy access to commuters and travellers.