Eldon in Wapello County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Doodlebug

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 11, 2015

1. Doodlebug Marker

Inscription. In the early to mid 1900s the DOODLEBUG arrived at this platform six days a week bringing passengers from Des Moines and in between to board the great passenger trains of the day. On November 2, 1902 the first run of the luxurious Golden State Limited, carrying passengers from Chicago to Los Angeles, was made. Included on that route was a stop in Eldon. Many years later it would seem most fitting that after nearly 100 years of service, the Eldon Depot saw its last passengers on February 20, 1968, when the Golden State Limited, making its final run, stopped in Eldon for the last time.

The DOODLEBUG was a gasoline-powered electric train. It was the smallest full train on the Rock Island system. The one-car train ran daily, except Sunday, from Des Moines to Eldon and returned, a four-hour trip each way. The train carried passengers, baggage and mail. It was operated by a four-man crew consisting of an engineer, a conductor, a brakeman and a mailman. In later years the DOODLEBUG ran a shortened route between Eldon and Ottumwa.

Erected by Eldon Depot Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic

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lists: Communications • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is February 20, 1968.

Location. 40° 55.048′ N, 92° 13.368′ W. Marker is in Eldon, Iowa, in Wapello County. It is on Kd Avenue south of 4th Street, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Near the Rock Island Depot, Eldon IA 52554, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest

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 Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gerald W. Fackler (here, next to this marker); Charles M. Martin (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); McHaffey Opera House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); J P Strother (about 400 feet away); Grant Wood's Impact (approx. half a mile away); The Artist, Grant Wood

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 11, 2015

2. Doodlebug Marker

Eldon Depot in background

(approx. half a mile away); The American Gothic House (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Eldon.

Also see . . .
1. Eldon Depot Museum, Iowa. (Submitted on November 5, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Doodlebugs: The Popular Motorized Rail Car. (Submitted on November 5, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 894 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 5, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.