New London in Henry County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Railroad Items
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021
1. Railroad Items Marker
Railroad Crossing Signs
A number sign under the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks beyond the sign.
Angle Bar Wrench
Used to take bolts out of angle bars holding the rail in place. Angle bars are placed at the joints between the rails.
Claw Bar
Used to pull spikes holding the train track in place.
Track Shovel
Rail Tongs
Used to pick up rails. It took 6 men & 3 of these to lift a 40 ft. rail weighing over 1,000 lbs.
Dispatchers Phone
Track Switch
When a train is coming, the switch is thrown and the cars move from one track to the other.
Spike Maul
Used to pound spikes in.
Tie Tongs
Used to install ties.
Tie Anchors
Keep ties from shifting.
Whistle Sign
Tells Engineer or Brakesman when to blow whistle.
Gang or Crew Car
Holds tools and up to 16 men.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 40° 55.548′ N, 91° 24.242′ W. Marker is in New London, Iowa, in Henry County. It is at the intersection of West Main Street and South Maple Street, on the left when traveling west on West Main Street. The marker is located in front of the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Iowa. 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 Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Peterson Manufacturing Building (within shouting distance of this marker); First Score and Select School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Henry County Court House (approx. 8.2 miles away); Dedicated to Henry County Veterans (approx. 8.2 miles away); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. 8.3 miles away); Henry County Veterans Memorial (approx. 8.3 miles away); First Court House in Iowa (approx. 8.3 miles away); Old Military Road (approx. 8.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021
2. Railroad Items (on exhibit behind marker)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021
3. Railroad Items (on exhibit behind marker)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021
4. Railroad Items Marker
The marker is located directly in front of the historic Pilot Grove Railroad Depot.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2021
5. Pilot Grove Railroad Depot (northwest elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 7, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
