Staunton in Macoupin County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Ill. Traction System

Rails Before Roads

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 26, 2020

1. Ill. Traction System Marker

Inscription. Electrified interurban railways were the rage in the early 1900s before Route 66. They offered clean and efficient service, an advantage over locomotives and horses. The Illinois Traction System connected residents in towns like Staunton to attractions, shopping, and events in St. Louis, Springfield, and Bloomington.

Changing Transportation

By 1925, interurban rail lines were doomed by Henry Ford's Model T and hard roads such as Illinois Route 4, later part of Route 66. In Staunton, rail passenger service ended in 1956.

37 Dead, Many Hurt in Head-on Collision

In October 1910, interurban trains were packed with passengers attending the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the Veiled Prophet Pageant in St. Louis. Two cars collided four miles north of Staunton, killing 37 and injuring 26.

Erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1910.

Location. 39° 0.719′ N, 89° 47.369′ W. Marker

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

is in Staunton, Illinois, in Macoupin County. It is on West Main Street (County Route 19) east of South Edwardsville Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is in front of Staunton Public Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 304 W Main St, Staunton IL 62088, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Route 66 Illinois (approx. 0.7 miles away); Henry's Rabbit Ranch, Staunton, Illinois (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.6 miles away); Futuro House (approx. 3.8 miles away); Soulsby Shell Station, Mt. Olive, Illinois (approx. 5 miles away); Union Miners Cemetery at Mt. Olive, Illinois

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 26, 2020

2. Ill. Traction System Marker

Marker with its interpretive statue.

(approx. 5.7 miles away); Heart of Coal Country (approx. 8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staunton.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Dancing the Night Away (was approx. 5.8 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. This is one of nine Wayside Exhibits erected by Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byways that has an interpretive statue next to it (this one is the southernmost).

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 26, 2020

3. Ill. Traction System Marker

Marker and statue are located in front of Staunton Public Library.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 22, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 1,766 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 22, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.