Illinois Central Railroad Collection

JOHN LUTHER JONES (1864-1900). Casey. American railroad engineer. Casey Jones in the cab of Illinois Central engine no. 382

Freight cars at the South Water Street Illinois Central Railroad terminal, Chicago, Illinois, 1943
Freight cars at the South Water Street Illinois Central Railroad terminal, Chicago, Ill

Illinois Central R. R. freight cars in South Water Street freight terminal, Chicago, Ill. 1943. Creator: Jack Delano
Illinois Central R.R. freight cars in South Water Street freight terminal, Chicago, Ill. Shows Pabst Blue Ribbon neon sign

General view of part of the South Water street Illinois Central Railroad freight... Chicago, 1943. Creator: Jack Delano
General view of part of the South Water street Illinois Central Railroad freight terminal, Chicago, Ill

Illinois Central R. R. Chicago, Illinois, 1943. Creator: Jack Delano
Illinois Central R.R. Chicago, Ill. Vernon Brower, riding the foot board of a diesel switch engine at the South Water Street freight terminal

Night view of part of the South Water street freight terminal... Illinois Central R.R
Night view of part of the South Water street freight terminal of the Illinois Central R.R. Chicago, Ill

General view of part of the south Water street freight... Illinois Central Railroad, Chicago, 1943
General view of part of the south Water street freight depot of the Illinois Central Railroad, Chicago, Ill. A C and O R.R. [Chesapeake and Ohio Railway] caboose

Trucks unloading at the inbound freight house of the Illinois Central Railroad... Chicago, Ill
Trucks unloading at the inbound freight house of the Illinois Central Railroad, South Water Street freight terminal, Chicago, Ill. [Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower behind]

Midway Plaisance from Ill. Central Viaduct, 1887 / 93. Creator: Henry Hamilton Bennett
Midway Plaisance from Ill. Central Viaduct, 1887/93. Albumen print, stereo, from the series " Chicago and Vicinity"

Dubuque, from Kellys Bluff, 1874. Creator: James H. Richardson
Dubuque, from Kellys Bluff, 1874. View of the city of Dubuque on the River Mississippi, Iowa, USA. The Illinois Central Railroad bridge can be seen on the right

Bridges on the Mississippi, at Dubuque, 1874. Creator: John Filmer
Bridges on the Mississippi, at Dubuque, 1874. The city of Dubuque, Iowa, USA. Above, connected with paths that have been cut through the solid limestone, are the streets of the dwelling-houses

CHICAGO: RAILYARD, c1960s. Illinois Central Railroad freight yard at Congress Street, Chicago, c1960s

CHICAGO: RAILROAD, 1943. Freight cars at the South Water Street freight depot of the Illinois Central Railroad in Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Jack Delano, May 1943

CHICAGO: RAILROAD, 1943. Freight cars of the Illinois Central Railroad in the terminal at South Water Street in Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Jack Delano, April 1943

CHICAGO: RAILROAD, 1943. View of the South Water street freight depot of the Illinois Central Railroad, Chicago, Illinois. Photograph by Jack Delano, April 1943

CHICAGO: RAILROAD, 1859. The Illinois Central Railroad depot in Chicago, Illinois. Wood engraving, American, 1859

0006755
RAILROAD: LAND SALE, 1864. Land offering advertisement from the Illinois Central Railroad, 1864

The Worlds Railroad Scene (Illinois Central Railroad): lithograph poster, 1882
WORLDs RAILROAD SCENE. The Worlds Railroad Scene (Illinois Central Railroad): lithograph poster, 1882

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"Capturing the Essence of Illinois Central Railroad: A Journey Through Time" Step back in time and witness the remarkable legacy of the Illinois Central Railroad. From legendary engineer John Luther Jones, famously known as Casey Jones, to bustling freight terminals in Chicago, this iconic railway has left an indelible mark on American history. In 1864, John Luther Jones took command of Illinois Central engine no. 382, his trusty steed that carried him through countless miles of tracks. With unwavering determination and a passion for his craft, Casey Jones became a symbol of dedication and heroism. Fast forward to 1943 when photographer Jack Delano captured the vibrant scenes at South Water Street freight terminal in Chicago. Freight cars lined up like soldiers ready for duty while trucks unloaded their precious cargo at the inbound freight house. The hustle and bustle echoed the city's spirit. The Midway Plaisance from Ill. Central Viaduct offers a glimpse into life during late 19th century America. Henry Hamilton Bennett's lens transports us to an era where horse-drawn carriages shared space with trains rumbling across bridges on the mighty Mississippi River at Dubuque. As night falls over South Water Street terminal in 1943, Jack Delano's camera unveils a different side - one cloaked in darkness yet illuminated by flickering lights and shadows dancing among its structures. This collection captures not only moments frozen in time but also showcases how Illinois Central Railroad connected people and places throughout history. It served as a lifeline for commerce, transporting goods that fueled industries and economies alike. Illinois Central Railroad may be more than just a company; it represents resilience, progress, and unity within communities it touched along its vast network of tracks. Its story continues to inspire generations who appreciate both its historical significance and enduring impact on transportation infrastructure today.