Who built the Illinois Central Railroad?
The first U.S. railroad promoted by a large (2.6 million acre) federal land grant, the Illinois Central cost about $25 million to build; as many as 10,000 workers at a time were engaged in building the railroad between 1851 and 1856. British and Dutch investors provided much of the capital required for construction.
Where did the Illinois Central Railroad start and end?
Upon its completion in 1856, the IC was the longest railroad in the world. Its main line went from Cairo, Illinois, at the southern tip of the state, to Galena, in the northwest corner. A branch line went from Centralia (named for the railroad), to the rapidly growing city of Chicago.
What was the first railroad in Illinois?
The Northern Cross Railroad
The Northern Cross Railroad was the first railroad to operate in Illinois, originating in Meredosia and eventually extending both east and west to the state borders.
What happened to Illinois Central Railroad?
The railroad, returning to the name Illinois Central in 1988, was eventually spun off from IC Industries and in 1990 continued operations as a public corporation, the Illinois Central Railroad Company, until its 1999 merger with CN.
Who started the railroad in the United States?
John Stevens is considered to be the father of American railroads. In 1826 Stevens demonstrated the feasibility of steam locomotion on a circular experimental track constructed on his estate in Hoboken, New Jersey, three years before George Stephenson perfected a practical steam locomotive in England.
Does the Illinois Central Railroad still exist?
What was the name of the first railroad in Illinois?
U.S. central states from Great Lakes to Gulf of Mexico, showing relief by hachures, drainage, cities and towns, roads and railroads. Principal north-south line, chartered in 1850 and incorporated in 1851. 706 miles opened for traffic in 1856. First railroad to receive lands granted by the passage of the “Illinois Central Land Grant Bill.”
When was the Illinois Central Railroad built in New Orleans?
In his book, ” Illinois Central Railroad ,” author Tom Murray notes that after officials passed the Internal Improvement Act in 1837, $10 million was set aside to construct 1,300 miles across the state. Following nearly three decades of service, an Illinois Central E6A remains as handsome as ever in New Orleans on June 28, 1967.
When did the Gulf and Ohio Railroad merge with the Illinois Central Railroad?
On August 10, 1972, the Illinois Central Railroad merged with the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad to form the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad (reporting mark ICG).
Who was the parent company of the Illinois Central Railroad?
In 1988 the railroad’s then-parent company IC Industries spun off its remaining rail assets and changed its name to the Whitman Corporation (which became PepsiAmericas in 2000 and was acquired outright by PepsiCo in 2010).