Joliet in Will County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Samuel Benedict Reed

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 30, 2020

1. Samuel Benedict Reed Marker

Plaque has a green patina and its irregular shape has depictions of greenery surrounding it and a small depiction of survey equipment on the side of the text.

Inscription. On this spot in 1850

Samuel Benedict Reed

Civil Engineer : Pioneer Railroad Builder : Citizen of Joliet

Began the survey for the present Chicago Rock Island and Pacific the first railroad to reach and bridge the Mississippi River. The first train into Joliet reached this initial point October in 1852

As chief engineer of construction he directed the building of the Union Pacific the first trans-continental railroad the completion of which in 1869 realized the dream of Columbus: a westward trade route to the Indies

This rock from the street of the Continental Divide on the line of the Union Pacific was placed here through the cooperation of these two railroads and dedicated October 10 1922

Erected 1922.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 41° 31.482′ N, 88° 4.907′ W. Marker is in Joliet, Illinois, in Will County. Marker can be reached from West Jefferson Street near U.S. 6. Marker is in front of Will County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14 West Jefferson Street, Joliet IL 60432, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Civil War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Illinois Sesquicentennial Time Capsule

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(a few steps from this marker); Will County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Morris Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First National Bank of Joliet (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Katherine Dunham: Pioneer in African Dance (about 500 feet away); Rialto Square Theatre (about 500 feet away); Hickory Creek in the 1830's (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Joliet.

Also see . . . The Unveiling of the Samuel B. Reed Monument in Joliet, Illinois, October 10, 1922. From the University of Nebraska (at Lincoln)'s website, this shows a picture of the dedication of the plaque, with Reed's great-granddaughter present. (Submitted on October 27, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 30, 2020

2. Samuel Benedict Reed Marker

Marker is near some memorials in front of Will County Courthouse.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 27, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.