Surviving Railroad Depots of America Photo Gallery by William J. Manon Jr. at pbase.com

Surviving Railroad Depots of America

The Railroad depot was the social and commercial center of many small towns & villages across America. The fortunes of many cities would be made or broken by the passing of two steel rails through their limits. The railroad provided a market for goods, grain and cattle and it brought the mail and other news of the outside world. It was also the primary mode of transportation in those pre-automobile days.
After the Second World War with declining rail travel and improved highways, more automobiles and trucks, Many depots were seeing the end of their useful lives. Scores of these beautiful buildings were resigned to neglect, vandalism and the wrecking ball.
The photos on these pages show what is left of the golden age of railroading. Every town on the rails had a depot, at one time there were upwards of 40,000 depots in America, today that figure is halved.
While somewhat removed from their previous role, today, railroad depots are once again emerging as community centerpieces. After years of neglect, the buildings are being reclaimed, and now enjoy new lives as retail centers, museums and even transportation centers.
Now come with me as we travel through the country to find the surviving Railroad depots of America.

I am always on the look out for surviving depots in Illinois, Iowa or Wisconsin,
If you know the location or the history of one please leave comments or contact trailryder@wildblue.net

New in 2008,
I have photos for the Depots marked Coming Soon, They will be added in no predetermined order, if you would like to see a marked Depot appear next Please leave Comments, It helps to Motivate me.

Railroad Depot index, Depots appear in this order.

Illinois Central Railroad
Galena, Illinois
Freeport, Illinois
Seward, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois
Genoa, Illinois
Burlington, Illinois
Belleville, Wisconsin
Argyle, Wisconsin
Forreston, Illinois
Amboy, Illinois
Mendota, Illinois
Independence, Iowa (New!)
Monroe, Wisconsin, Freight House (Coming soon!)

Fenelon Place Elevator, Dubuque, Iowa

Chicago, Burlington & Northern Railroad
Dubuque, Iowa

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Praire du Chien, Wisconsin
East Dubuque, Illinois
Oregon, Illinois
Rochelle, Illinois (Razed)
Steward, Illinois
Shabbona, Illinois
Thomson, Illinois
Sterling, Illinois
Fulton, Illinois
Whitton, Illinois
Earlville, Illinois
Mendota, Illinois
La Moille, Illinois
Princeton, Illinois
Buda, Illinois (Razed)

--- Page Break ---

Aledo, Illinois
New Windsor, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Ottawa, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Wyoming, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Zearing, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Plano, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Viola, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Galesburg, Illinois (Coming soon!)
West Chicago, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Pepin, Wisconsin (Coming soon!)

Amtrak Depot
Kewanee, Illinois

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad
Chillicothe, Illinois

Chicago & North Western Railroad
DeKalb, Illinois
Sycamore, Illinois
Elva, Illinois
Rochelle, Illinois
Dixon, Illinois
Fulton, Illinois
Clinton, Iowa
Rockford, Illinois
Footville, Wisconsin
Evansville, Wisconsin
North Freedom, Wisconsin
La Rue, Wisconsin
Baraboo, Wisconsin
Cuba City, Wisconsin
West Chicago, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Geneva, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Turner Junction, Tower, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Ames, Iowa (Coming soon!)
Belle Plaine, Iowa (Coming soon!)
Boone, Iowa (Coming soon!)
Lowden, Iowa (Coming soon!)
Fennimore, Wisconsin (Coming soon!)

Chicago Great Western Railroad
Elizabeth, Illinois
Woodbine, Illinois
Clare, Illinois
Mason City, Iowa (Coming soon!)
Red Wing, Minnesota (Coming soon!)

Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
Milan, Illinois
Rock Island, Illinois
Geneseo, Illinois
Sheffield, Illinois
Bureau, Illinois
Tiskilwa, Illinois
Depue, Illinois
Lasalle-Peru, Illinois
Utica, Illinois (Razed)
Peoria, Illinois
Chillicothe, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Henry, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Ottawa, Illinois (Coming soon!)

--- Page Break ---

Northern Pacific Railroad
Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Great Northern Railroad
Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul & Pacific Railroad
Delmar, Iowa
Maquoketa, Iowa
La Motte, Iowa
Camanche, Iowa
Clinton, (Lyons) Iowa
Fulton, Illinois
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Rio, Wisconsin
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Belmont, Wisconsin
Darlington, Wisconsin
Gratiot, Wisconsin
Dunbarton, Wisconsin
Monroe, Wisconsin
Juda, Wisconsin
Brodhead, Wisconsin
Orfordville, Wisconsin
Janesville, Wisconsin, Freight House
Darien, Wisconsin
New Glarus, Wisconsin

--- Page Break ---

Edgerton, Wisconsin
Milton, Wisconsin
Black Earth, Wisconsin
Mazomanie, Wisconsin
Sauk City, Wisconsin
Monticello, Wisconsin
Tomah, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Rock City, Illinois
Freeport, Illinois
Genoa, Illinois
Pingree Grove, Illinois
Mendota, Illinois
Ceder Point, Illinois
Davenport, Iowa, (Freight House)
Hastings, Minnesota
Kirkland, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Port Byron, Illinois (Coming soon!)
Marquette, Iowa (Coming soon!)
Mason City, Iowa (Coming soon!)
New Albin, Iowa (Coming soon!)
Preston, Iowa (Coming soon!)
Grand Crossing, Wisconsin, Tower (Coming soon!)
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (Coming soon!)
Sturtevant, Wisconsin (Coming soon!)
Red Wing, Minnesota (Coming soon!)
Winnona, Minnesota (Coming soon!)

Amtrak Depot
Portage, Wisconsin

Davenport, Rock Island & Northwestern Depot
Moline Illinois

Metra Depot
West Chicago, Illinois (Coming soon!)

Alaska Railroad
Seward, Alaska

Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe & Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad
Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Hoopphole, Yorktown & Tampico Railroad
Hoopphole, Illinois

Stevenson & Silver Creek Railroad
Freeport, Illinois

Trolley Depot
Rockford, Illinois

Illinois Valley Electric Railway
Depue, Illinois

Rockford & Interurban Electric Railway
Pecatonica, Illinois
Winnebago, Illinois
Cherry Valley, Illinois

Union Station
Davenport, Iowa
Peoria, Illinois (Coming soon!)

Boone & Scenic Depot (Coming Soon!)

Check Back Soon for more...

80 Illinois Depots
20 Iowa Depots
39 Wisconsin Depots
7 Minnesota Depots
1 Alaska Depot
1 Oklahoma Depot
40 Coming soon

148 total Depots

pages 1 2 3 4 ALL

Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Depot at Utica, Illinois, CSX 2559 .jpg	:: Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Station at Peoria, Illinois ::	Northern Pacific Depot, Fergus Falls, MN	Northern Pacific Depot, Fergus Falls, MN.
Northern Pacific Depot, Fergus Falls, MN	Great Northern Depot at Fergus Falls, MN.	Great Northern Depot at Fergus Falls, MN.	Milwaukee Road Depot at Delmar, Iowa.jpg
Milwaukee Road Depot at Delmar, Iowa.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot at Delmar, Iowa at sunset.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot at Delmar, Iowa	Milwaukee Road Depot Maquoketa, Iowa
Milwaukee Road Depot Maquoketa, Iowa.jpg	Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Depot, Maquoketa, Iowa.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot La Motte.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot La Motte Iowa 2006.jpg
La Motte, Iowa Milwaukee Road Depot 5168.JPG	Camanche, Iowa, Milwaukee Road Depot 3590.JPG	Milwaukee Road Depot, Clinton, (Lyons) Iowa.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot, Fulton, Illinois.jpg
:: The Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul & Pacific Depot at LaCrosse, Wisconsin ::	LaCrosse WI. Depot 1.JPG	LaCrosse WI. Depot 2.JPG	:: The Chicago, Milwaukee, St Paul & Pacific Depot at Rio, Wisconsin ::
Chicago Milwaukee St. Paul and Pacific Depot at Mineral Point Wisconsin.jpg	Chicago Milwaukee St. Paul and Pacific Depot at Mineral Point Wisconsin 2006.jpg	Chicago Milwaukee St. Paul and Pacific Depot at Mineral Point Wisconsin front.jpg	Chicago Milwaukee St. Paul and Pacific Depot at Mineral Point Wisconsin side.jpg
Milwaukee Road Depot at Belmont Wisconsin 2006.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot at Belmont Wisconsin.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot Darlington Wisconsin 2006.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot Darlington Wisconsin.jpg
Milwaukee Road Depot Darlington Wisconsin back.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot Darlington Wisconsin ATV.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot At Gratiot, Wisconsin, east side	Milwaukee Road Depot At Gratiot, Wisconsin
Milwaukee Road Depot At Gratiot, Wisconsin, west side	Milwaukee Road Depot Dunbarton Wisconsin.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot, Monroe, Wisconsin .jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot, Juda, Wisconsin.jpg
Milwaukee Road Depot, Juda, Wisconsin Depot with His & Hers Outhouse.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot, Brodhead, Wisconsin, Trackside.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot at Brodhead Wisconsin.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot, Brodhead, Wisconsin.jpg
Brodhead, Wisconsin Depot & Wells Fargo Express Sign.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot, Orfordville, Wisconsin, Sunrise.jpg	Milwaukee Road Depot, Orfordville, Wisconsin.jpg	Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Feight house, Janesville, Wisconsin.jpg
Darien, Wisconsin Milwaukee Road Depot 0624.JPG	Milwaukee Road Depot, New Glarus, Wisconsin.jpg	Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Depot, New Glarus, Wisconsin.jpg	Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Depot, New Glarus, Wisconsin 2006.jpg

pages 1 2 3 4 ALL

comment |

stephen prestigiacomo		16-Nov-2022 16:35
I KNOW OF TRAN DEPOT THATNO ONE KNOW ABOUT IT IS IN LOUISVILLE KY BUT IN THE SOUTHWEST OF JEFFERSON CONUTY IN KOSMOSDALE ON DEPOT LN. AND IT USED TO BE MORE BUT I TRY TO LOOKTHEM UP,

Ken Higgins		18-Sep-2017 02:26
I lived outside of the village of Plymouth Il in the 1950s I believe there was a depot there that the cb&q had. Does anyone have a photo of it?

Guest		06-Aug-2017 15:40
The small town of Beckemeyer, IL is in the process of renovating their depot from the late 1800's. What typical items would have been included in a depot from this era? We have the original pot-belly stove -- but have no photos that would help us in this restoration. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Comments / helpful hints could be e-mailed to me at Lynmaz@ymail.com.

Bob Olson		30-Apr-2017 15:17
Looking for photos and info on Rock Island depot in Richfield, NE

Teri		02-Feb-2017 19:49
Hello...I am researching family and would like to see a railway map from 1898...my family talks about taking the train from Mayfield Township Dekalb Co to Wheaton on the Gre. Northern. Was there only one line in the area? Teri

Joe Ward		02-Feb-2016 20:03
Looking for interior photos of Baraboo Wis. C & NW Depot..Thanks

Peggy Gilbert		02-Jan-2016 12:17
We have converted to great Northern railroad depot Ellendale North Dakota into a home

Guest		06-Aug-2015 21:11
Browning Illinois has a train depot that is still standing. I am trying to find a historical grant the can help restore to its original glory. It is a remarkable piece for this small community. I love this site it brings back wonderful memories for a lot of people . Thank you so much for sharing.

Guest		19-Jul-2015 04:19
you missed one , very big old still standing by Larose, Il.

Guest		19-Dec-2014 14:08
Fantastic site. Thank you for making the time to do this!

Dan Walter		01-Sep-2014 14:32
I have old RR signals by a shed and would like to make the window look like a RR ticket window, any pictures of them in your arcives? thanks Dan

Frank Carroll		30-Aug-2014 17:13
Are you still working on this project? I would be happy to assist with some of the stations and depots of the Southwest USA

Susan Chatelain		03-Jan-2014 22:24
I would like to see the Viola, Illinois station photo. Thanks!

alan sklenar		26-Oct-2013 21:13
The interurban station in Morris,Il was used by interurban that came out of Yorkville,Il and the CO&P used the Columbia House Hotel on Liberty St.

B. R. Noloan		26-Aug-2013 16:50
My search is for as many turn of the century old wood Depots. If possible the pictures of them while active. I work only with Illinois depots. I'm guessing there were nearly 400 in the state. I have a hundred so far. I breathe color and life into them, put them back on the rails and sell the 8x10 prints to interested parties. Can you help?

Guest		15-Aug-2013 20:10
Hi Bill Just came back from Grundy County. Rock Island station is Chamber of Commerce office. Nice shape. EJ&E caboose. One block south on Liberty St is what appears to be an interurban station also in good shape. Maybe Chicago, Ottawa and Peoria RY or IT? Anyhow.. John Mann

Rick Hartom		12-Mar-2013 02:40
Thank you for this important work. I can offer photos of the C&EI RR depots at Arthur, IL & Cadwell, IL, as well as the ICRR depots at Arcola & Mattoon. The building in Mattoon offers Amtrak serviceon the Chicago - New Orleans line daily.

Carl		29-Dec-2012 19:03
I would like to havea picture of the CB&Q depot that was locatged at 2nd or 3rd and Oak St. in the 1940s.

Chuck Lursen		17-Dec-2012 12:34
Writing from Fulda, Mn, 56131. SW Minnesota. We had the Milwaukee Road here until about 1980. Fulda Heritage Society managed to save our 1880 depot. Were in the process of a grant to update and renovate it. Its a museum of local artifacts now. We also have a CB & Q railway caboose which was renovated and is a show piece. Please add us to your listing of depots. Contact me when you visit Fulda.

Jack Rooney		01-Dec-2012 12:39
is there someont out there who knows a lot about C, M, & St. Paul depots across WI, MI, etc.? there is a particular style in Gratiot, WI that is the same as the one that was in my home town of Cherry, IL. I am trying to find out if there are any other towns that have that same style......two doors on the end as primary entrance. would appreciate if if you could point me toward someone who may have studied these depots. thanks! jack@cap-strategies.com jack rooney

Rhonda Murr		28-Nov-2012 17:52
Do you have any photos of the old CB & Q railroad that was at Rockport, Illinois? I saw where Bill Browning said he had one but I didn't know how to contact him. Thanks for any help you can give me. Rhonda Murr

C. Mitchell		29-Oct-2012 20:16
The ex Milwaukee Road Depot pictured had actually been moved west about 3-4 blocks from where it originally stood. Also an excellent site is: rrhshs.org which lists surviving depots and structures from all over the country, really helps one find them easier. You also missed the depot in Milton Jct, WI which was about one mile west of the Milton depot, it is a restaurant now.

John Day		27-Oct-2012 02:03
Does anyone have a map of showing the Minnesota & Northwestern line as it runs through Stephenson County, Il ? I'm looking for the lines location near Pearl City, Il. The location of the line may help me trace the movement of the Sauk tribe during the Black Hawk War of 1832. Thanks for any help.

JIM CUMMINGS		22-Oct-2012 18:55
I AM LOOKING FOR SOME INFO ON WHAT AN 1920 RR STATION WOULD LOOK LIKE. I AM A HAM RADIO OPERATOR AND OUR CLUB WOULD LIKE TO MOVE INTO OUR EMPTY RR STATION. ALONG WITH USING IT FOR A CLUB HOUSE WE WOULD LIKE TO FIX IT UP LIKE IT WAS IN THE 20s&30s. AS OF NOW IT WAS MOVED AND IS IN VARY GOOD CONDITION BUT WITH NO ONE GIVING IT SOME TLC IT MAY END UP IN THE LAND FILL OR FIRE PLACES. THE STATION IS IN BARBERTON OHIO IF SOME PICTURES WOULD HELP FIND OUT WHO BUILT IT OR WHAT WOULD NORMALLY BE THE SET UP INSIDE WOULD BE A GREAT HELP. THANK YOU . JIM CUMMINGS 469 E. HUSTON ST BARBERTON, OHIO 44203 WB8VMW

Chris		06-Oct-2012 11:38
Interesting photos.....does anyone have a photo or information on the Trousdale Station in the Elizabeth, Il and Hanover, Il area? I believe it was built on my great great grandfather James Trousdale's farm land. It was the Chicago, St. Paul, KC railway I think. Thanks.

Jesse Suttles		30-Sep-2012 08:39
I am looking for a picture of the depot that was in Avery Texas. If you have one, please contact me.

Terry S.		20-Aug-2012 23:08
You should try finding and posting the Wabash railroad depots. There are quite a number that have been preserved in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

lisa welch		31-Jul-2012 03:32
pineland texas train depo is still standing with santa fe train with it

Guest		29-Jun-2012 21:27
hi i am john.elliott@gmail.com love your site have an 1880 station house all cypress with orginal doors and windows using it now as a music studio in great shape part for the pocomoke easton line that used to ship strawberries out of pittisville maryland would like to sell and have move off ny lot will send pictures to you for your site if you like only three stations houses left from this line

Jacinto Guevara		05-Jun-2012 20:01
Great fotos of great edifices. I fell in love with the defunct train depots in Texas when I came here (San Antonio) from LA in 1992. I completed an ambitious painting series in 2007 called They Don't Stop Here Anymore. 13 train depots; Lytle, Pleasanton, Waring (twice!), Comfort, Giddings, LaGrange, Flatonia, Floresville, Kyle, Coupland, Poth and Hondo.

Judith Michener		16-Apr-2012 14:57
You don't seem to have the Santa Fe Depot in Shawnee, OK in your photo list. You should have it because it is one of the most unique depots in the country. It is built like a castle. Shame on you for not checking into it. It is now the Pottawatomie County Historical Society Museum,;located in Shawnee, Okahoma. I sincerely hope you will add it to your list.

Martha Fox		01-Apr-2012 14:09
Wonderful collection. I was wondering if you knew about the shell of the old railroad depot in Vermillion, Illinois. We were through there yesterday and wondered what railroad was connected with it? Vermillion is just south of Paris, IL.

Ted Schaar		30-Jan-2012 14:02
I noticed that many of the depots pictured at this site are red or a shade of red. Does anyone know if that color was at one time traditional for railroad stations?

james sullivan		26-Jan-2012 00:56
The old kog and texas pacific depot is still standing in Durant Okla most people don,t know this. also i was the freight agent for the mkt in durant okla for many years does anyone know what year the mkt depot was built and have any pictures of it

David Biskey		02-Oct-2011 19:10
Looking for photos of railroad depot in Elk Mound, Wisconsin

Bill Browning		11-Mar-2011 15:23
I have a photo of the old CB&Q railroad depot that was located at Rockport IL years ago. It is now in a field about 1.5 mile from it's original location. Would be happy to e-mail it to you

garrett weeks		25-Dec-2010 07:58
I own an 1879 narrow guage depot original windows in perfect cond. One of a few still in same location.will sell.Sits on busey u s highway. Goldmine for any type of buisness. 949-466-7347

karen dow		28-Aug-2010 21:06
rockford iowa has a depot the historical society is looking for funding to restore it do you have any ideas for whom to contact

George		16-Jul-2010 18:09
Excellent pix. Thanks for your historically important documentation. If you do not yet have a database for these images, may I suggest you find one you are comfortable with and use it to save this valuable information. Thanks again for your efforts.

Chris Lemm		29-Jun-2010 04:39
The Milwaukee Road depot in Springfield Wi. (moved from Lyons WI.) was sadly demolished approxamately 3 weeks ago. It was set on a foundation with a basement when it was moved and over the years the basement filled to the floors with water and the rot finally took its toll and the floor caved in, and they decided to demolish the rest. Sad it wasn't saved.

tom tetzlaff		21-Jun-2010 21:45
I could send you a photo of the depot in fox lake wi. if you wish.

Sandy Dodge		26-May-2010 18:02
I have a railroad depot in my yard and use it for storage. I live in Campo Colorado. Does anyone have any information that may relate to this depot.

William J. Manon Jr.		13-May-2010 21:36
If this person would have left there E-mail address I would have sent this reply to them... This was an Illinois Central RR RPO route. See page 432 of the Annual Report of the Postmaster General from 1886: http://books.google.com/books?id=gV4_AAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false Paul This was a Railway Post Office (R.P.O.) route that ran on the Illinois Central between Dubuque, Iowa, and Mendota. Sounds like the letter rode from Chicago to Freeport, probably on the IC, and then was transferred to a Freeport-Clinton train where it happened to get postmarked, and was then probably transferred to a Milwaukee Road train at Forreston, Ill., for forwarding to Mount Carroll. MS

Guest		26-Apr-2010 14:09
I have an old stamp cover that is postmarked "DUB & MEND. R. P. O." in May of 1900. Can anyone tell me what this railroad is, I've been searching and the only cities I can come up with are Dubuque, IA and Mendota, IL. The letter was actually sent from Chicago to Mount Carroll, Illinois. Thank you.

wshearer		21-Apr-2010 20:00
We are trying to find when the rock Island depot was torn down in henry, Illinois. A small "trialor like" one was installed in its place. Betty Shearer

Dave Veenendaal		07-Jan-2010 19:14
Burlington WI has an old SOO line depot that's still used by the CN RR. As a kid in the '50's I lived just a block away. There's also a refurbished depot on the main drag in Waunakee WI. I'm not sure of its history. Fun site. Thanks for your efforts.

Zach		05-Jan-2010 22:15
You should add the Wausau, WI depots. The Milw depot (from the Wausau insurance ads) still exists, plus a copy that the insurance company built on their campus. The C&NW depot is still there too.

mark lewin		04-Jan-2010 06:06
looking for photos of depots in smithville texas or west point texas .

kellie myers		22-Nov-2009 05:33
im looking for info or pictures of des moines valley railtroad depot

Jan Marfyak		09-Nov-2009 01:10
These are great photos, good shots and historically significant. You have the makings of a fine collection. Many in Wisconsin jog my memory and fill it nostalgia. Thanks for your interest and takaing the time. If I trip across any not recorded here, I will be sure to forward.

Kris		26-Oct-2009 18:04
I'm looking for a photo for The town Durham / Merrille , Marion co. , IA ( Caly Twp. ). It would be the C. B & Q. RR. Thanks Kris

Randy Shannon		16-Aug-2009 20:30
one of the buildings for the milwaukee road passenger depot is still around

Richard Teasdale		02-Aug-2009 22:54
Hello to all and anyone interested. I've enjoyed the tour of surviving Depots very much. I'd like to bring to the attention of all, that in Monroe Wis., there is another, actually 2 others that are not pictured. The first being between 12th and 13th Ave on 19th St. in what is known locally as 'Smokey Row'. The second, but much smaller is along the old Illinois Central Line running near Twinning Park. While the one shown here is beautiful and has a great story to it, as stated, it is not actually on either of the two RR Lines that ran through Monroe. I'd have taken pictures of these myself for all to enjoy, but I no longer live in, or near Wisconsin.

Guest		21-Jul-2009 20:04
I am looking to visit some old railroad depots in Southeastern Wisconsin. I live in a northern suburb of Milwaukee called Whitefish Bay. I am willing to travel within two hours of here. If you have any ideas I would appreciate it. I mainly need addresses. You can e-mail me at rlaskey@att.net. Your site is awesome and has lots of neat pictures. Also, Mazomainie has a depot that is now being used as a library. The depot in Madison is still standing and is used for a restaurant and there is a train there that is used for stores.

nick beckman		30-May-2009 23:33
i am looking for pictures interior shots of the cnw station in milwaukee, on the lake, wisconsin avenue,

Guest		23-May-2009 02:15
Just an FYI, there is a Chicago Great Western Depot in Elmhurst, IL that you dont seem to have in your list. Its restored and being used as a community center. The CGW Villa Park Depot is also hanging in there as some kind of green house.

cjoymooneyham@msn.com		12-May-2009 03:36
I wouldlike to see a picture of the Wyoming, IL depot of CB&Q railroad and also would love to find a picture of Duncan, IL depot CB&Q.

JANET		09-Apr-2009 19:20
I liked your pictures of the stations. Iwas wondering if you have new england stations from the BOSTON AND MAINE ERA? JANET

N.Cole		30-Mar-2009 21:41
Great work! Want more ICRR depots. Their are some nice ones in Greenwood, Vicksburg, and Starkville, Mississippi just to name a few.

christian austell		05-Mar-2009 04:08
check out the old riverfront station in Nashville, TN, used today for commuter rail service thoughout TN. Union station is the big one in center of town - hotel now

Guest		03-Jan-2009 20:30
This is a great thing you are doing…recording history! I am putting a shout out for any sources of information on an old CB&Q freight station in northeastern Colorado. I am in possession of an original Colorado railroad map from 1919 (or so is believed) that marks a stop by the name of “Amen” in NE Colorado near Sterling. My grandfather and great-grandfather broke sod in that area and I am curious about what might have actually been there as far as buildings and type of train that ran on that line (model RR setup). Thanks all! Chuck (Elmhurst, Illinois) charlesamen@att.net

Chris Goepel		14-Dec-2008 23:57
I am conducting research on Illinois Central's Iowa Division depots with the intent of publishing a book-length treatment on the subject. Is it possible that anyone here can put me in touch with retired IC agent Tom Shepherd (he posted on this site in September)? Many thanks ... Chris Goepel (cjgoepel@yahoo.com)

John Stuekerjuergen		28-Nov-2008 19:32
I have a number of photos of the old CB&Q depot in Pilot Grove, Lee County, Iowa. That was on the former Peavine branch between Ft. Madison and Ottumwa. I would be interested in seeing photos of the depots in West Point, Iowa and the loading dock or other facilities at the now-defunct town of Mertensville, Iowa. Robert Brown wrote a booklet about the Peavine Branch. I welcome any other sources of information about it.

Ken Martin		01-Nov-2008 04:01
I just drove across southern Iowa and saw the following CB&Q depots Burlington Donnellson - In Park Milton - In Park Pulaski - In park Corydon - Being used as warehouse Humeston - City Hall Centerville - VFW Hall Shenandoah - Now a micro brewery Creston Also Mt. Pleasant and Osceola are still used by Amtrak Ken Martin

Steve		27-Oct-2008 16:20
Great! A tip of the hat to you for documenting these depots and some structures near them. We rail fans and modelers and architect buffs thank you. Looking forward to Peoria, Illinois and Chillicothe, Illinois on the Rock Island.

Dale Cowel		02-Oct-2008 17:29
Dale A. Cowel I am presently doing research on 3 Chicago architects who were known for their work and design on railroad stations ( Henry Ives Cobb/ Charles Sumner Frost and Alfred Hoyt Granger. I would appreciate any information on depots that were designed by these architects. I do have some of the drawings of older CNW stations .If my research is correct Frost and Granger designed nearly all the CNW stations from 1898 to 1910. Any stations from 1883-1926 would also be of help. Thank you

Nadine		12-Sep-2008 04:26
Does anyone have photos of Rock Island depots in southwestern MN and northwestern Iowa? My husbands grandfather, father and uncle were all Rock Island men and my husband's interest has remained strong throughout the years. We have some lumber and bricks from the depots that were in Round Lake and Reading, Minnesota.

Leo Reynolds		11-Sep-2008 02:34
Do you have pic's of the IC depot in Dubuque? Leo Reynolds

Tom Shepherd		09-Sep-2008 01:43
I ran all depots from Waterloo, Iowa to the Dubuque tower in east Dubuque. I was 14 when started and worked for the Illinois Central until I went into the Navy in 1944 on my 17th birthday. I am now 81 and I think maybe I am the only depot agent surviver, because all the people I worked with were 20 years or more older than me. I have a lot of stories about the IC. I opened the bridge across the Miss. and a tug boat a concrete pier. He missed the opening . I called the dispacter in Waterloo and told him and said the bridge is shaking. He said get the hell off Tom. He thought the bridge was going to fall. I was 15 when I ran the East Dubuque Tower. Cheers Tom

mark robinson		07-Sep-2008 14:07
i am looking for a picture of the sandwich il. depot. any ideas? thank you mark

Lloyd		06-Sep-2008 02:20
Yikes! An incredible collection of depot buildings. How'd you find all these?!

Kathe Fichter, Librarian		23-Aug-2008 16:55
Randolph, Iowa will be getting their restored depot back from the country and moved on Main Street in September. It was a CB&Q depot that was instrumental of the town of Randolph being built. The former town of Deer Creek 1/2 mile east was moved because of the Railroad and town became Randolph. Line/Depot completed November 10, 1878

john		05-Aug-2008 04:56
Hi Do you have a photo showing the rock with the Illinois Central Railroad 100 year medallion?

Guest		21-Jul-2008 18:40
I am looking for ANY Rock Island "THE ROCK" logo station sign featuring the black "R" logo that the Rock Island used in its final years. Cash paid, private collector, and I am the son of an RI engineer. Please call me at (660) 635-0384. Thanks!

Jon Stewart		09-Jul-2008 18:34
Good news for the Blair, Ne. 1880 Chicago & N.W. Depot. We've received a $450K plus transportation grant to rehab it! To those of you trying to do the same, we wish you the luck we've been blessed with. Hard work by the Blair Historic Preservation Allliance and the city staff paid off. This depot will sit in the center of our city wide bike/trails system, and also is next to Nebraska St which was the old brick Lincoln Highway. It also parallels the abandoned Chicago, St Paul, Minneapolis, & Omaha RR spur that went north to So. Sioux City, Ne. To see our story go to blairhistory.com. Next year, if you're in the Omaha/Blair area, please stop and visit!

Glenn Dean (Vatorman)		13-Jun-2008 00:21
Few and far between, but a great job at 'saving' and showing the past.

Logan		02-Jun-2008 00:39
Some mentioned that the Wisconsin & Michigan Railway depot in McAllister, WI had been turned into a house. This is true, however, it is vacant and has been so for over a decade. The foundation is crumbling and the walls are starting to buckle. One of the old sheds behind the depot building collapsed a few years back and the other shed is soon to follow.

Jeff		21-Apr-2008 23:46
Thank you for sharing your photos and memories. I really look forward to the Ottawa, Illinois (I had the misforturne of growing up there) and Peoria depot pictures. Cheers, Jeff

William J. Manon Jr.		11-Apr-2008 23:52
In Referance to the DRI&NW Moline, IL Depot. No sooner had the depot been built, then news reached the public on March 2, 1901, that the D.R.I. & N.W. Terminal Lines had leased all of their property to the C.B.& Q. (Chicago Burlington & Quincy) & the C.M. & St. P. (Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul) rail lines for an estimated profit of over one million dollars. The two new lines had a fifty-fifty ownership split. Under this agreement, the C.B. & Q. line gained control of the superb shipping facilities on the D.R.I. & N.W. lines tailrace, which had been heavily utilized by all the factories since the building of the line. The "Q” was looking for a location to build a passenger depot for several years, so acquiring rights to the depot was an asset to their business. The agreement gave the C.M. & St. P. joint access to the passenger depot and a freight depot located at 2135 - 3rd Ave. They also acquired track necessary for their new line to Kansas City which, when completed, gave the Milwaukee through service from Chicago to Kansas City. Later Bill

Guest		11-Apr-2008 20:21
The depot you call the DRI&NW Moline, IL depot is actually ex-Milwaukee Road. In Iowa, there are still former Rock Island depots at Wilton, Atalissa, West Liberty, Iowa City, Grinnell, Newton, Des Moines, and Council Bluffs. The ex-Milwaukee Road depot still stands in Amana, IA as well. Hope this helps.

sharon hall		26-Mar-2008 01:33
looking for the floor plans, picture and dimensions of the rock island depot in shawnee, oklahoma thanks, sharon

DAN SHAW		21-Mar-2008 16:19
I AM A SON OF A RAILROAD BUFF. THE LATE BOB SHAW OF ZANESVILLE OHIO. I BELIEVE THAT HE WOULD BE PROUD OF YOUR SITE. THANKS AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Josh		03-Jan-2008 20:49
I have photos of the Milwaukee Road Walworth, WI depot. As far as I know, it was used for commuters to Chicago up until the early 80s, when commuter services on this line were cut back to Fox Lake, IL. It is being used for storage by a commercial facility. It seems to be in fairly good shape. If you are interested, I can e-mail them for this gallery. Contact me at prairiefire153191@yahoo.com.

Lion		21-Sep-2007 16:34
Great gallery with a lot of history of a area were I grown up. As I have you in my topic file with a lot of railroads I though you like to check out Ken Ford gallery ,he's from your area .http://www.pbase.com/kjford/chi_sub By the way I give You big A+ on your gallery. " VOTED "

Jeff		20-Sep-2007 13:03
What beautiful pictures of the depots of the past. I have been searching for a picture of the train depot that once graced the rails in my hometown of Freeburg, Illinois. I have searched and asked just about every resident of this town. Can anyone tell me where to look. Are there pictures on file of the depots? Please advise.

William J. Manon Jr.		23-Aug-2007 17:32
Over the next few months I will attempt to update this site. Each Depot will have it's own Page with more pictures. This will take time as I am now nearing the 200 Depots mark. Later Bill

Guest		15-Aug-2007 18:50
Just to add to the Rock Island list. Cambridge Illinois has its depot in a park now, and Lafayette Illinois has one as well.

Bob Riebe		15-Aug-2007 15:06
The Rock Island depot at Utica has now been demolished. Also there a few more Illinois Valley Electric (etc) depots and/or substations still standing. I believe they may still be seen in Ottawa, LaSalle, and Marseilles. The DRI&NW depot in Moline will either be demolished or moved in the next few years to allow for the construction of a new I-74 Mississippi River bridge.

Dean Carroll		12-Jul-2007 12:10
Thank you for your site! Dean in Cincinnati

Philip Fortnam		06-Jul-2007 16:39
This is a great site. I thought I was one of a very few people who appreciates old railroad stations. I have photos of old depots from all over the country. This site is an inspiration. Thank you.

Guest		01-Jul-2007 11:07
The CB&Q depot at Buda IL. will soon be raised. With the elimination of the signal maintainer position at Buda and the general condition of the building, it is cost prohibitive to keep it. I look for it to be gone this year (07). Goodbye old friend! Alan Seeger, Sig. Insp. BNSF RR

MIKE BEESON		13-Jun-2007 16:32
LOOKING FOR A PHOTO OF THE ROCK ISLAND DEPOT AT SHAWNEE,OK. THANKS MIKE

Dr. Joe Knebel		06-Jun-2007 20:40
I recently purchased an acreage outside of Dunkerton, Iowa which included an old depot with the name, "LINCOLN" on both sides of it. Needs some TLC but architecturally looks great. Don't know much about it or how old it is though. Great site!

Dave Rickaby		20-May-2007 03:13
The C&NW in Marinette, WI is still in use by the CN. The Milw Rd depot in the same town has been restored and moved and is available to rent as an office. The Milw Rd depot in Crivitz, WI is being used by the E&LS as is the former C&NW depot in Stiles Jct. WI. The large C&NW depot in Green Bay is still standing and is being used as a restaurant and micro brewery. The former Wisconsin & Michigan Railway depot in McAllister, WI has been converted into a house. I know some depots in the UP of Michigan that are still in exsistence as well, but you only wanted info on specific states.

Jon H Stewart III		11-Apr-2007 18:33
Tody, April 10th, 2007, we've gotten a stay of execution for our 1880 RR depot in Blair, Ne(city named after John I Blair)1. The Blair Historic Preservation Alliance successfully convined the council to move it to Lion's City Park. Now the hard work, moving fomr the grain elevator yard where it was used for storage for the last 50 plu years and starting the renovation. Your site has many good examples of our style station. Any suggestions for restoration or funding are always welcome, please visit the BHPA website for info on the effort to save this historic building.

Guest		08-Mar-2007 05:34
Streator IL still has an active Amtrak station and depot I think! Awesome gallery. Thanks for stopping by.

Carrie Walker		03-Mar-2007 15:11
As recently as 4 to 5 years ago, there was a Chicago and Northwestern station in Earlville, Illinois. It is south of where it crosses the CB&Q. This frame building may be gone now. My grandfather was the station agent from about 1914 to 1930. For 3 years after WWII, my Dad was the crossing guard for the CB&Q. This was a small building built up high on 2 12 by 12's. Sometimes, I was allowed to climb the ladder into this building when my Dad was at work. I think that there were 5 sets of crossing gates that he had to lower and raise. I would sure like to have a picture of this long gone building. Carrie

Guest		19-Feb-2007 22:45
There is a depot in Hedrick, Iowa that served both the Milwaukee and the Iowa Central/ M&StL, a beautifully restored Wabash depot in Moravia Iowa, and a depot in Stockport, Iowa that once served the Peavine Line which connected to the CB&Q in Batavia, Iowa.

William J. Manon Jr.		17-Feb-2007 03:57
I currently have 14 depots to add to the gallery. I will soon be starting a complete upgrade of the depot picture gallery. Thank you all for the comments and encouragement. Check Back Later... Bill

J.		12-Feb-2007 04:47
This gallery just couldn't be more fun to look at. I know nothing about running trains, but I grew up in Illinois, and some of these old boxes sure look familiar. Please post more!

Norma Reed		19-Jan-2007 04:03
Bill, did you know there is a small depot left in Rockford, Iowa. I just photographed in December, 2006. It's in the west end of town. Norma Reed, Altoona, Iowa

Annette Olson		30-Nov-2006 23:17
Did you know that Joseph Schuettner from Aurora, Illinois designed the Santa Fe Depot in Shawnee, OK in 1903? Did he design any other railroad depots in United States? Annette Olson, Aurora, Il.

Guest		04-Sep-2006 02:35
Wondering if anyone had photos or floorplans of Illinois Central depot in Green Valley, IL that was razed about 3-years ago? Had I have known about it, I would have wrote a check! How about depots in Pekin, IL? I know there are still atleast 3 there as of Aug 2006.

John		19-Aug-2006 15:49
Hi Bill, Some other stations Elmhurst, Lisle, Aurora, West Chicago, Batavia, Big Rock, Plano, Bristol, Cherry Valley John

Donna		05-Aug-2006 12:39
Great job of photographically recording some beautiful railroad structures which were such a vital part of our country's history! I was active in the reconstruction of our town's depot...an 1880's era standard wooden (rural type) depot located in Beecher, IL that belonged to the C&EI RR. It is now open on Saturday's from 10-noon as an historical society, and the Operator's Bay has been set up to look like it may have in about 1922.

William J. Manon Jr.		14-Jul-2006 04:12
If you do not see a depot pictured, then I have not visited it yet. I do have more pictures of the depots that are pictured, I normaly take at least 8-10 photos of each depot, but only post the best 2-4 photos. I look forward to visiting the BN depot on South Broadway in Aurora, but my travels have not taken me that way yet. I will be heading north to Wisconsin this weekend (July 15) hopefully i will see 2-3 depots. thanks for all the encouragement, keep the comments comming.

Guest		12-Jul-2006 01:33
Got any pictures of the old BN depot on South Broadway in Aurora?

William J. Manon Jr.		03-Jul-2006 03:32
This street adress should help you: 115 Wright St., Iowa City http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/ia/Johnson/vacant.html

Jane BonnyJane		01-Jul-2006 02:40
Does Bob Shaw, or anyone else, have any idea where the Rock Island Deport in Iowa City might be? I'm in town overnight and am looking for it. Thanks.

R.Moreno		25-Jun-2006 07:26
Stunning gallery. I love industrial archaeology and this kind of report.

Sergio Pessolano		24-Jun-2006 17:57
Excellent documentary gallery. Voted.

Kristy Gravlin		01-Jun-2006 16:45
Plano, Illinois, has a "working" depot that was built of brick in 1913. It is an attractive building and the focal point for the downtown area.

Guest		01-Jun-2006 16:44
There is an old depot, used from 1854? to 1913?, at the Lyon Farm on Route 71 between Oswego and Yorkville, Illinois. It is owned by the Kendall County Historical Society and is one of their "village" buildings.

Jim desRosiers		19-May-2006 11:26
What a great page. I really enjoyed going through all of the pictures. I can not tell you why, but I have always enjoyed depots, and seeing your pictures is really neat.

LeuAnna Taylor		17-Apr-2006 17:00
This is a great project you've started. Have you ever been to Ohio? We have quite a few old stations still standing as well. I've always admired the architecture of the station houses. Good job.

MacPurity		16-Apr-2006 12:27
Great project. Thanks for posting these. You captured some nice shots of my hometown depot. MacPurity

Michael		15-Apr-2006 21:25
I have 2 cast iorn drain pipes that came out of the Rockford IL 7th st depot,I would say they are over 100 years old or more,If any one is interested in them you can contact me.

Bob Shaw		19-Mar-2006 15:07
There is a Rock Island passenger depot in Iowa City, Iowa. It is the original RI design and in fairly good condition with the original RI logos. I am looking for pictures of the depot in Dubuque, Iowa from the early fifties.

Guest		12-Mar-2006 17:19
Do you have any pictures of the Chicago, Burlington Northern and Quincy Depot Also known as Red Oak Burlington Northern Depot in Red Oak, IA?

Craig Gillette		27-Feb-2006 03:44
I'm glad I noticed this on "Recently Updated Galleries," which is often just a lucky break. A really nteresting collection. Some of the "larger" small stations are quite interesting although even the "standard" wood frame stations arew worth saving. One would hope communities can recognize this and find good use for them.

Guest		30-Dec-2005 22:38
do you have any pictures of depots in beloit,wi ; evansville,wi ; madison ,wi; west allis,wi ; janesville.wi ; of the chicago and northwestern r.r. or any other roads that passed at these locations ?

BillDownes		21-Dec-2005 05:36
Regarding the Freeport Illinois depot. It was probably 40's or early 50's when the CNW ceased passenger service to the east side of the building. The ICRR tracks were on the west side, and had at least 4 trains per day to and from Chicago.

William J. Manon Jr.		24-Nov-2005 01:11
Oops, I will have to remove the Orangevillle depot, it looked like a depot and was in the right location. Thanks for the correction Kermit. Later Bill

Guest		14-Nov-2005 01:00
Being a Railroad Engineer for over 30 years this has special meaning for me...and since I worked on the Milwaukee Road it is very special to see the Milwaukee Depots. Tom "Lampy" Lampman

Rich Gardner		17-Oct-2005 03:56
Neat idea and very nice photographs. Thanks for reciording this bit of American history. You should consider putting them in a book, so they can become a reference for when the stations no longer survive. - Richard

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