Overview
From the busy passenger terminals and commuter stations of Chicago to small town depots like Esmond, Tampico, and Lanark, Northern Illinois Train Depots provides a glimpse back in time to when these important structures were the centerpiece of every trackside community.
Northern Illinois is widely considered the rail capital of America. Dozens of lines radiating out of Chicago and other points have crisscrossed the region since the late 1840s. Along each line, train depots stood to dutifully connect the railroad to communities along the way. These iconic facilities were abundant throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, but as automobiles and air travel gained popularity, railroads were forced to streamline their operations to compete. Subsequently, many depots faced closure and eventual destruction. While most were lost to history, some were repurposed and still exist today as museums, municipal buildings, and even houses. The select few that remain along current passenger train routes are still active as stations.
Thomas Dyrek has extensively researched and photographed depots in Illinois for over a decade and also authored Arcadia Publishing’s Central Illinois Train Depots. Photographs and information from the author, historical organizations, and area railroad enthusiasts have been compiled to reflect on the history of the region’s many depots.
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