Norris City in White County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Texas Eastern

The Building of a Town

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 9, 2026

1. Texas Eastern Marker

Inscription.
Norris City owes its existence to the railroads, which came through in 1871. Because of the railroads, Norris City was chosen for the Texas Eastern Terminal. In the early 40's, oil was shipped from Texas to other parts of the Country, but the ships were bombed by the German's. President Roosevelt recommended that a pipeline be built from Longview, Texas to a rendezvous point in the Midwest. Work began at Longview, Texas August 1, 1942. Six months later, the pipeline was completed to Norris City February 3, 1943. The first day, 60,000 barrels of crude oil flooded into Norris City, 98 oil tankers left Norris City that night on the New York Central for Eastern refineries. The War Emergency Pipeline put 35,000 people to work. In 1943, Norris City became the oil center of the Midwest. The pipeline is still making an impact on the Norris City economy. The terminal is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is February 3, 1943.

Location. 37° 58.799′ N, 88° 19.739′ W.

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Marker is in Norris City, Illinois, in White County. It is at the intersection of South Division Street (U.S. 45) and 2nd Street, on the left when traveling north on South Division Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 S Division St, Norris City IL 62869, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois — Little Egypt,

in the Tri-State Region,

and in the Wabash Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Ohio River Valley,

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 Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sohio (a few steps from this marker); Churches (within shouting distance of this marker); Business (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Schools (about 300 feet away); Railroads (about 400 feet away); War Emergency Pipeline (approx. 0.7 miles away); The First Presbyterian Church In Illinois

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 9, 2026

2. Texas Eastern Marker

(approx. 3.9 miles away); Southern Illinois College (approx. 8.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Norris City.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.