Columbia in Monroe County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

South Metter Whistle Post

South Bound

Photographed by Thomas Smith, October 22, 2025

1. South Metter Whistle Post Marker

Inscription. Whistle posts were placed about a quarter mile from a grade crossing. Their purpose was to alert the engineer of an upcoming road crossing. Upon seeing a whistle post, the engineer would begin blowing the train's whistle to warn oncoming vehicles of the approaching train. This is the southbound whistle post for the crossing at the end of South Metter. It is an original salvaged from North Cairo, IL and donated by Mr. Louis Webb of Cincinnati, OH.

Erected by GM&O Railroad Heritage Trail.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Roads & Vehicles.

Location. 38° 26.646′ N, 90° 11.767′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Illinois, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of East Cherry Street and East Liberty Street, on the right when traveling east on East Cherry Street. Across from Turner Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 E Liberty St, Columbia IL 62236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis

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& Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

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: Main Street Siding (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Columbia Depot (about 600 feet away); Milepost 630 (about 700 feet away); Locust Street Whistle Post (approx. 0.2 miles away); Franklin Inn & Buck Tavern (approx. 0.2 miles away); Roessler Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Miller-Fiege House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Schaefer House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Photographed by Thomas Smith, October 22, 2025

2. South Metter Whistle Post Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.