IC Depot: (
Satellite)
C&NW Freight House: (
Satellite, the concrete pad across the tracks from the depot)
IC Freight House: (
Satellite, the concrete pad south of the depot.)
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Chicago & North Western Historical Society posted
The original intent of the leaders of the Galena and Chicago Union railroad (later C&NW) was to reach Galena from Chicago. The G&CU only made it to Freeport, Illinois where the Illinois Central ("Mainline of Mid-America") had already reached. The two lines compromised with the construction of a "union" depot. This photo post card shot is of the largest and last "edition" of that depot. The cancellation date on the reverse of the card is 1910.
Brian A Morgan: Yet the Chicago and Northwestern eventually did reach Galena but not by the intended route originally conceived but by way of Madison,Wisconsin via Monfort Junction through Livingston, Rewey, Lancaster, Platteville, Benton, Wisconsin, Vinegar Hill, Illinois and Galena, Illinois via The Galena and Southern Wisconsin division of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. Commonly known as the Ridgerunner Line. The Northwestern came to Galena but from the North. |
Jim Nelson
posted two photos with the comment: "The old Illinois Central / Chicago & North Western Railroad passenger station in Freeport , Illinois has always been one of my favorite historical places. It is interesting to do comparison photos from an earlier time in history to a more recent or current date and observe the changes that have occurred at a location over the years. I believe the top photo is likely one of the best ever taken of the passenger station with both the C&NW and I.C. railroad freight stations , W.T Rawleigh and Woodmanse factories to the right. Although some copies of this photo have surfaced over the years the photographers name and date remain unknown. I recently stood on East Stephenson Street and shot a photo reasonably close to the position of that old original photograph. The changes that have occurred with the passing of time are not so kind to us Freeport history buffs . . . We are truly blessed that people were taking photos back in those early days leaving us pictures of exactly how it was. Many thanks to the unknown photographer of this photo who left all of us a treasure ! ! - Also many thanks to Ultrasonic Power Corporation who keeps the station looking magnificent these days and the American flag out front is awesome ! !
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John Smith
posted two photos with the comment: "Union passenger station in Freeport IL built Ca 1895 served Illinois Central and Chicago and Northwestern now a private business."
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Edward Weber posted
Another find at the Freeport Puplic Library Local History Room. A 1910 postcard of Illinois Central Depot in Freeport,Illinois. Postcard states Union Depot. |
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Edward Weber posted
Here is another picture from the Freeport Library local history room. The writing on the back states as follows. Freeport Station of Illinois Central RR& G&CU RR about 1865-1870. This series of buildings comprising the Freeport station was torn down in1889 and replaced with the present brick station. It was built in 1853 when the G&CU was built. The baggage room was at left, station waiting room in two story building at left of locomotive then the eating house, tank, pump engine, and coaling building. Freight house at right. O.H. Dennis had photo copied from picture found in Clinton, Iowa . Believe to be the oldest photo at a Freeport scene ever found. |
This looks like a third depot building between the above two.
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Edward Weber posted
Another picture from the Freeport Public Library Local History Room. Year unknown. It appears it was taken from the Stephenson Street Bridge looking over the Pecatonica River looking west at the Illinois Central Railroad Station. |
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Edward Weber posted
Another find at the Freeport Public Library Local History Room. This picture was taken 1968 while building was being torn down. The south end of the building is already missing.
Brian Berthold: i think that would that be the CNW freight depot on the right of the pic
Michael Zettle: Brian Berthold Yes, right in front of the IC Freight Station.
Jim Kelling shared
Freeport Illinois (Illinois Central freight station)
Joseph Obrien shared |
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Dennis DeBruler commented on Edward's post
These buildings were across the tracks from the depot, which is extant: 1939 aerial photo |
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