Cameron Railroads
In the 1920's Cameron boasted over 40 trains a day and three active stations, including the elaborate Cameron Junction, described as one of the most popular and elegant eating houses in the West.
Two Cameron men are credited with initiating the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, the first to cross Missouri. State Senator George Smith petitioned the legislature, while Col. M.F. Tiernan surveyed the route. Seventy five railroaders shared ten gallons of whiskey for completing the line by Valentine's Day, 1858.
A second branch of the Hannibal & St. Joseph was built in 1867 and the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific became Cameron's third rail line in 1871. The North Missouri railroad, from St. Louis to St. Joseph, also used the tracks for a period of time.
The depot on this site was erected in 1898 and had separate waiting rooms for men and women.
By 1955 the number of trains had dwindled to five a day, and the tracks were removed in the mid 1980's.
Erected by Cameron Historical Society and Randall and Barbara Relford.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Chicago Rock Island & Pacific Railway series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.
Location.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Abraham Lincoln / John Wilkes Booth (a few steps from this marker); Jesse James (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lee Purcell / Michael Douglas (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade (approx. ¼ mile away); Herbert Clark Hoover (approx. ¼ mile away); John T. Walker (approx. ¼ mile away); Harry S. Truman (approx. half a mile away); William Jennings Bryan (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cameron.
Also see . . .
1. Cameron (MO) Historical Society Depot & Museum. (Submitted on August 4, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Rock Island's Original Route. (Submitted on August 4, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. The Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad. (Submitted on August 4, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 483 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 4, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.