Elmhurst in DuPage County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Galena & Chicago Union R.R.

City of Elmhurst

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 13, 2025

1. Galena & Chicago Union R.R. Marker

Inscription. Cottage Hill, renamed Elmhurst in 1870, was a small community of about 200 residents in 1849 when the Galena & Chicago Union R.R. became the first of several railroads to come to town. Freight and passenger services were made available to Chicago and points west, resulting in the growth of the community's commercial center around the rail stop at this site. The Galena & Chicago Union R.R. was the predecessor of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, which merged with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1995.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.

Location. 41° 53.986′ N, 87° 56.451′ W. Marker is in Elmhurst, Illinois, in DuPage County. It is on 1st Street near York Street, on the right. The marker is affixed to the track-facing side of the Elmhurst train station on the north side. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elmhurst IL 60126, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

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and on the Great Lakes.

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: Carl F. Kranz and Elmhurst College (a few steps from this marker); Ruth Strand (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Old Elmhurst Fire Bell (about 600 feet away); Elmhurst Municipal Building (about 700 feet away); Elmhurst National Bank Parapets (about 700 feet away); "Big Rock" (about 700 feet away); The York Theatre (about 700 feet away); Spirit of Bessie Coleman (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elmhurst.

Also see . . .
1. Galena and Chicago Railroad (Wikipedia). (Submitted on September 13, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
2. William B. Ogden and the railroad that pioneered Chicago’s place as a transportation hub. From the Chicago Tribune, a look at the Galena & Chicago Union Rail Road (subscription may be required).

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 13, 2025

2. Galena & Chicago Union R.R. Marker

(Submitted on September 13, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

A Union Pacific freight train heads east through downtown Elmhurst image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 13, 2025

3. A Union Pacific freight train heads east through downtown Elmhurst

Chicago & North Western station in Elmhurst image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of Elmhurst History Museum (CC0 1.0); via Wikimedia Commons, circa 1931

4. Chicago & North Western station in Elmhurst

The site of the station where this plaque can be found is believed to be on the far side of the tracks.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 13, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.