Glen Carbon in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Trailhead

Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail

Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 26, 2022

1. Trailhead Marker

Inscription.

Trailhead. Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail. The Heritage Trail is dedicated to Ronald J. Foster, Sr. In recognition of his meritorious service to the Village of Glen Carbon as Trustee from 1965 to 1981 and Village President 1981 to 2001. , Ron's wife, Joan Treat Foster, was also a community leader. Joan organized the Glen Carbon Historical and Museum Commission and in 1987 was appointed chairperson. She was an advocate in the establishment of a tax supported library for the Village in 1992. She is editor and one of the authors of the book A History of Glen Carbon, published in 1992 to commemorate the Village Centennial. , Both Ron and Joan's dedication and outstanding contributions toward the quality of Village growth and historic preservation will be enjoyed and appreciated by its citizens for many years to come. , About the Trail: The 3.2 mile Illinois Central right-of-way was one of the first 500 rail-to-trail conversions in the U.S. The trail has been considered a "model trail" by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Gateway Trailnet and has won several community awards. The Illinois Central Railroad was an integral part of Glen Carbon's history and the coal mining operation. It also provided transportation for local residents to surrounding areas. Historical signage along the trail details highlights of the area. In 2012, the Village transferred trail ownership to Madison County Transit (MCT), MCT paved the trail, rebuilt many bridges and extended it 12.2 miles to the Village of Marine, Illinois., (side quote:), "This trail preserves one of the most beautiful valleys in the area; it crosses Judy Creek seven times. The natural environment and the opportunities to glimpse into the Village's past will delight and educate those who walk or ride the trail", -Mayor Ronald J. Foster, Sr. . This historical marker was erected in 2021 by MCT Trails/Madison County Transit and Glen Carbon Historical and Museum Commission. It is in Glen Carbon in Madison County Illinois

The Heritage Trail is dedicated to Ronald J. Foster, Sr. In recognition of his meritorious service to the Village of Glen Carbon as Trustee from 1965 to 1981 and Village President 1981 to 2001.

Ron's wife, Joan Treat Foster, was also a community leader. Joan organized the Glen Carbon Historical and Museum Commission and in 1987 was appointed chairperson. She was an advocate in the establishment of a tax supported library for the Village in 1992. She is editor and one of the authors of the book A History of Glen Carbon, published in 1992 to commemorate the Village Centennial.

Both Ron and Joan's dedication and outstanding contributions toward the quality of Village growth and historic preservation will be enjoyed and appreciated by its citizens for many years to come.

About the Trail: The 3.2 mile Illinois Central right-of-way was one of the first 500 rail-to-trail conversions in the U.S. The trail has been considered a "model trail" by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Gateway Trailnet and has won several community awards. The Illinois Central Railroad was an integral

Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 26, 2022

2. Trailhead Marker

Located at the beginning of the Ronald J. Foster Heritage Trail

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part of Glen Carbon's history and the coal mining operation. It also provided transportation for local residents to surrounding areas. Historical signage along the trail details highlights of the area. In 2012, the Village transferred trail ownership to Madison County Transit (MCT), MCT paved the trail, rebuilt many bridges and extended it 12.2 miles to the Village of Marine, Illinois.

(side quote:)

"This trail preserves one of the most beautiful valleys in the area; it crosses Judy Creek seven times. The natural environment and the opportunities to glimpse into the Village's past will delight and educate those who walk or ride the trail"

-Mayor Ronald J. Foster, Sr.

Erected 2021 by MCT Trails/Madison County Transit and Glen Carbon Historical & Museum Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1965.

Location. 38° 44.809′ N, 89° 59.225′ W. Marker is in Glen Carbon, Illinois, in Madison County. Marker can be reached from Daenzer Drive south of Junction Drive West. Marker is located off the Ronald J. Foster Bike Trail. It can be accessed near the bike trail parking lot by Citizens Park and the Fire Station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 78 Jct Dr W, Glen Carbon IL 62034, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8

Photographed By Jason Voigt, April 26, 2022

3. Trailhead Marker

Marker is just off the parking lot which is shared by the Glen Carbon Fire Department and Citizens Park.

other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Railroad Control Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Glen Carbon Veterans Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Illinois Central Depot & Daenzer House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Madison Coal Corporation (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War I Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Glen Carbon Volunteer Fire Department (approx. ¼ mile away); People (approx. ¼ mile away); Schools (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glen Carbon.

Regarding Trailhead. Ronald and Joan Foster were both present at the unveiling of this marker (November 2021), with local leaders present.

Also see . . . MCT Trails (official website). Information on several trails that are all over Madison County, Illinois. Many of them were former railroads, as part of the "Rails to Trails" program. (Submitted on April 27, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 52 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on April 26, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.