Dixon in Lee County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

I.C.R.R. Stone Arch Bridge

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 8, 2023

1. I.C.R.R. Stone Arch Bridge Marker

Inscription. This is one of a unique trio of bridges built for the Illinois Central Rail Road by Robert F. Laing, engineer. The arching stones were cut to fit from native Galena limestone quarried near Dixon. The first train carrying passengers and freight on the Cairo to East Dubuque, Illinois route arrived at Dixon on February 1, 1855. The bridges were in use until December 21, 1985. In 1987 they were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Early wooden box cars on the I.C.R.R. hauled eight to ten tons of grain or other freight.

Erected 1999 by City of Dixon • Illinois Department of Transportation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 1, 1855.

Location. 41° 50.391′ N, 89° 29.354′ W. Marker is in Dixon, Illinois, in Lee County. Marker is at the intersection of West 3rd Street and Central Place, on the right when traveling east on West 3rd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 306 Central Place, Dixon IL 61021, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named I.C.R.R. Stone Arch Bridge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line);

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a different marker also named I.C.R.R. Stone Arch Bridge (about 800 feet away); 105-107 South Peoria Avenue (approx. ¼ mile away); 214 West First Street (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dixon Public Library (approx. 0.3 miles away); 212 West First Street (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Christian Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); 115 South Hennepin (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dixon.

Also see . . . Illinois Central Stone Arch Railroad Bridges (PDF). National Register nomination for the set of three bridges. (National Archives) (Submitted on August 15, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 8, 2023

2. I.C.R.R. Stone Arch Bridge Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 51 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.