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

South Meter Whistle Stop

(Northbound)

— Railroad Heritage Trail —

South Meter Whistle Stop Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Thomas Smith, December 11, 2025

1. South Meter Whistle Stop 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 northbound whistle post for the South Metter St. crossing. It is the only original whistle post from Columbia's railroad days. It was found in the weeds near here in 2017 and restored for use on the trail. The M&O RR repurposed used boiler tubes from steam engines to make both whistle posts and mileposts.

Erected by Columbia, Illinois.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 2017.

Location. 38° 26.309′ N, 90° 11.42′ W. Marker is in Columbia, Illinois, in Monroe County. It is on Maple Hill Lane 0.1 miles north of Mary Hill Place, on the left when traveling north. The marker stands behind Dollar General. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 816 S Main St, Columbia IL 62236, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in Greater St. Louis.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & 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: Corporation Line Sign (here, next to this marker); Columbia/Waterloo Road Whistle Post (within shouting distance of this marker); Schmidt Beer Cave (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail (about 800 feet away); Rohm House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eichmuller-Rau Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); German Style Cottage (approx. ¼ mile away); Whiteside Station (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.

Photographed by Thomas Smith, December 11, 2025

2. South Meter Whistle Stop Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 25, 2025, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.