Amtrak Depot
This is the trackside view of the modern depot which serves as the stop for all Amtrak trains in Galesburg. It sits on the location of the last CB&Q depot, which was a much more massive structure. In earlier Amtrak days, trains traveled both the BN and Santa Fe lines and both of these railroad's former depots were used for stops. Sometime in 1983 the old "Q" depot was demolished and this one took its place. It is a shame that newcomers today have no idea of the massive facilities that were once here.
This photo contrasts the old with the new. While the depot is "new", the parking lot is "old". The circular parking lot and that unique light pole survive from the days of the brick depot.
This is the platform across from the depot. (Note: in 2000 an additional platform was installed.) The shelter and platform are newly built. However, of special note here is the original CB&Q signal bridge (unused) and the location of the Fulton County Narrow Gauge depot (parking lot on distant left). I have been informed that this signal bridge was torn down in November 2002. Sad to see another trace of the past vanish.
This photo helps to point out the "holyground", as I call it, just south of the depot's location. The distant land is empty only by default. Torn down are the powerhouse, roundhouse(s), coal dock, fuel tank, freight house, seminary street tower, etc. Seminary tower was once located near the spot of the LP tank in the middle of the photo. Note the new "fourth street" bridge in the distance. The bridge is now named after a deceased city councilman. The photo on the opening page of this site shows most of what was once located nearby. Compare this view with a similar view of Seminary tower from days past taken near this spot. Also, compare this view with a similar one taken in 1980 and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Across the tracks from the depot is this welcome sign painted by local artist Ron Hatch. Mr. hatch is himself quite a rail historian. His artwork reflects his knowledge as he accurately portrays the trains and locations he paints. Every year he produces an original work of art featuring local trains and their locations in the annual Galesburg Railroad Days Poster.
On the depot grounds is this collection of railroad equipment from years past. This display is maintained by the Galesburg Railroad Museum and is opened for tours during the museum's hours. The steam locomotive was donated to the city by the CB&Q railroad. Its presence here predates the Amtrak depot. The museum itself occupies a Pullman car across the street from the depot (sorry no picture, yet). Soon however the museum will be constructing a new home for the museum near this spot. Click here to visit their website. The museum car and these items were restored in the roundhouse, by some off duty railroad staff! The Museum is the result of many former railroader's, and others, efforts! Of special note is the concrete edge of the original platform, and the Purington brick which makes up its surface(foreground). The Purington brick company was a Galesburg industry for many years. It was widely known for its fine brick. I am told some of this brick was even used in the Panama Canal!
Note to novices: the CB&Q had no cabooses, this is a waycar! I've been informed that it was this way for trainmen who could not pronounce "caboose". Tee Hee
