Sunday, February 28, 2016

Campaign, IL: IC's Roundhouse and Freight House

1869 Birdseye Map from ChampaignHistory
T. J Blakeman has found pictures and maps of the Illinois Central roundhouse that was built circa 1855 and razed between 1911 and 1914. The posting also includes some pictures of the freight house and the base of a water tower.

Because the roundhouse created a lot of smoke near the downtown shops and hotels, IC built new facilities 2.5 miles north and used the downtown land for a new freight house and a new depot.

1940 aerial view of the downtown facilities.
1940 Aerial Photo from ILHAP
The new engine servicing facilities were at the north end of the yard that was built north of the town.

1940 Aerial Photo from ILHAP
The roundhouse is gone, but the yard is significantly bigger than it was in 1940. This is very unusual. Most big yards during the war now have far fewer tracks or have been converted to intermodal yards.

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