|
Rock Island's Original Route
The Rock Island Railroad is well known for it's north south path through Cameron. Legends claim the James Gang robbed the train maybe multiple times. Learn about the original alignment of the tracks from Jesse James area. |
|
Starting in 1871 The Chicago and Southwestern Railroad came through Cameron as a main north south route and intersected the Hannibal St. Joseph Railroad which went east to west. Later known as the Rock Island Railroad, this rail line has quite a history including numerous reports of having been the victim of the James Gang on more than one occasion.
Local folks have commonly thought the railroad's original route was along what is now Highway 69, however the actual route from 1871 until 1896 is east of highway 69. Our volunteer researchers have located and mapped the original route that would have been in use during the James Gang's era. A sample map of the eastern route is shown on the Google map to the right. |
|
The original route had many curves and steep grades that made it difficult for trains to maneuver so in 1896 the route was changed to the more well know alignment along what is now highway 69.
Depot Museum researchers have recently visited the original railroad alignment and thanks to the generosity of some of the property owners along the old route, some artifacts have been located and recovered. Some of these artifacts will be included in a new exhibit at the Depot Museum that will be introduced during the 2016 Visitors Season at the Depot. Watch for details about the new exhibit.
For a detailed map on the original alignment you can visit our Google Maps page by clicking the button below. This page shows the original route in yellow with the re alignment in red. Although the Google Map shows only the alignment changes near Cameron, it should be noted that the original alignment near Winston and Altamont also changed. The location of the tracks that Jesse James and his gang would have traveled on when they robbed the train may actually be in a different location than is commonly believed. More information about those locations and the history behind the train robberies is available from the Daviess County Historical Society.
To see the detailed Google map of the Rock Island's early alignment click the button below. The satellite photo clearly shows how the original railroad marked the earth and the path is still visible even though the tracks have been gone for more than 100 years.
If you have more information, artifacts or comments about the Rock Island railroad we invite you to contact us at any of our emails or fill out the Drop us a Note section of our contacts page. We look forward to hearing from you.
Depot Museum researchers have recently visited the original railroad alignment and thanks to the generosity of some of the property owners along the old route, some artifacts have been located and recovered. Some of these artifacts will be included in a new exhibit at the Depot Museum that will be introduced during the 2016 Visitors Season at the Depot. Watch for details about the new exhibit.
For a detailed map on the original alignment you can visit our Google Maps page by clicking the button below. This page shows the original route in yellow with the re alignment in red. Although the Google Map shows only the alignment changes near Cameron, it should be noted that the original alignment near Winston and Altamont also changed. The location of the tracks that Jesse James and his gang would have traveled on when they robbed the train may actually be in a different location than is commonly believed. More information about those locations and the history behind the train robberies is available from the Daviess County Historical Society.
To see the detailed Google map of the Rock Island's early alignment click the button below. The satellite photo clearly shows how the original railroad marked the earth and the path is still visible even though the tracks have been gone for more than 100 years.
If you have more information, artifacts or comments about the Rock Island railroad we invite you to contact us at any of our emails or fill out the Drop us a Note section of our contacts page. We look forward to hearing from you.