Lisle Depot

Lisle Depot. . In 1864, the first train came through Lisle and the town became directly connected to the comings and goings of trains. , , The area around the tracks was named Lisle Station, this referred to the train depot and all the yard areas, platforms, and railroad-owned buildings around it. The businesses along the Southwest Plank Road (Ogden Avenue), once a key route through Lisle shifted to the north and south side of the tracks (Front Street and Burlington Avenue). Lisle is along the Aurora-Chicago line, which was built by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, known today as the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF). , , Lisle's first depot was built in 1864, then was destroyed by a fire in 1874. The railroad quickly rebuilt the depot and this is the depot that stands today. It was designed to handle transporting goods. Farmers brought animals, grain and milk here to ship into the city for sale. Burlington posted a stationmaster to run the depot. This depot is unusual as it has a two-story living quarter for the stationmaster and family the south end contains a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a storage area. , , The railroad allowed Lisle to become a major source of dairy and agriculture for the region. In 1912, Lisle was the largest milk producer along the Chicago-Aurora Line. By 1934, the stainless-steel Zephyr passenger trains were introduced and commuting became popular. Our community developed around the Lisle Depot availability of service for people and materials helped set the stage for present day Lisle. , , In 1978 the Burlington Northern Railroad donated the depot to be used as a museum to make way for a modern train station. The Lisle Heritage Society restored the Depot to its 1874 historic appearance with support from the Lisle Park District.