Paducah in McCracken County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Paducah's Railroad Heritage

Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 10, 2020

1. Paducah's Railroad Heritage Marker

Inscription. This 2-8-2 Mikado, number 1518, a baggage-mail combination car and a terminal caboose represent Paducah's railroad heritage beginning with the first railroad line in 1855. Over the next 150 years that 60 mile reach into Tennessee spread north, west, south and east and now involves three major railroad systems, a transcontinental connection with construction of the Ohio River Bridge to Illinois in 1917 and the completion by the Illinois Central Railroad of the massive Paducah Locomotive Shops on Kentucky Avenue in 1929.

Over the years, the Illinois Central Railroad has evolved into the Canadian National Railway, a regional railroad connecting Paducah to Louisville and a private company that rebuilds diesel locomotives, adding the latest technology for domestic use and export.

This Mikado was built in 1923 by Lima Locomotives Works for the I.C.R.R. and rebuilt in the Paducah shops in 1940 and 1951 before being donated to the city of Paducah in 1964. It was first placed in Barkley Park on the north riverfront. IN 1984, it was moved to First and Broadway and the baggage-mail car and caboose were added. In 1999 it was moved to its present location.

Sponsors and contributors:

Sherwin Williams Paint, Triangle Industries, National Railroad Equipment - Paducah Shops, P & L Railroad, Horizon Media Group

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Signs, City of Paducah, Ories, Donald, Ivery, John, Ray, Steve, Rooster & Allen

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 37° 5.226′ N, 88° 35.604′ W. Marker is in Paducah, Kentucky, in McCracken County. Marker is on South Water Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is next to the train model, along the flood wall murals. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200-298 S Water St, Paducah KY 42003, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to the Atomic City (here, next to this marker); Dawn of the Atomic Age (here, next to this marker); The "A" Boom in Paducah (a few steps from this marker); A Quick Stop (a few steps from this marker); They Passed This Way (a few steps from this marker); Iron Horse Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Bicentennial of Paducah (within shouting distance of this marker); The Pilothouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paducah.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 10, 2020

2. Paducah's Railroad Heritage Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 362 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.