Chester in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Railroad
Photographed by Thomas Smith, August 30, 2020
1. The Railroad Marker
The railroads were part of everyday life. Up to 14 passenger and freight trains passed through Chester each day on three railroads. A popular means of transportation was the Dinky, a self-propelled motor car for short and low volume routes.
Since all tracks were at street level, flooding of the rails was common. In the 1950's, building on both sides of the street were razed and the railroad tracks were moved to their current location on the levee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 37° 54.017′ N, 89° 49.734′ W. Marker is in Chester, Illinois, in Randolph County. It is at the intersection of East Kaskaskia Street and Ferry Street, on the left when traveling west on East Kaskaskia Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 Ferry St, Chester IL 62233, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois Little Egypt. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Port of Chester, Illinois Welcoming Mississippi River Travelers since 1829 (here, next to this marker); The River Boats (here, next to this marker); Thomas Mather (within shouting distance of this marker); Toar (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ham Gravy (approx. Ό mile
this page online
Photographed by Thomas Smith, August 30, 2020
2. The Railroad Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2020, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 551 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 15, 2020, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
