Litchfield in Montgomery County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Litchfield Car and Machine Company
Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 7, 2023
1. The Litchfield Car and Machine Company Marker
In 1876, the Litchfield Car and Machine Company was formed by David Orr Settlemire. The company was a reorganization of the Litchfield Car Manufacturing Company and the machine shops and foundry of H.H. Beach and Company which had consolidated in 1875.
The Litchfield Car and Machine Company was located near the corner of Jackson and Edwards Streets. It manufactured coaches, cars, steam engines, and locomotives. Six freight cars were made in a day. It was especially noted for its engines that were used in flour mills, saw mills and mines.
The company was later moved to Mt. Vernon, when Settlemire became angry because he lost the 1888 mayoral election to Henry Tuttle, the proprietor of the Parlor Shoe Store.
Settlemire is said to have remarked, "If Litchfield don't need me for mayor, they don't need my shops and elevator. I hope to see weeds growing to a great height before I die." As it happened, Settlemire got his wish. By the time of his death, the site where the car shops stood was vacant and completely overgrown in weeds.
This stair tread from a railroad car with the Litchfield Car and Machine Company
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 39° 10.629′ N, 89° 39.977′ W. Marker is in Litchfield, Illinois, in Montgomery County. It is on West Kirkham Street east of Old U.S. 66, on the right when traveling east. Marker is behind the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 334 Old Rte 66 N, Litchfield IL 62056, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. It is also 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 walking distance of this marker: Hitching Posts (here, next to this marker); Schutt Mosaic (a few steps from this marker); George Gustavus Lafferty (a few steps from
Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 7, 2023
2. The Litchfield Car and Machine Company Marker
Outside the Litchfield Route 66 Museum
Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 7, 2023
3. The Litchfield Car and Machine Company Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 384 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 29, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
