Marseilles Rock Island Depot

     I recently was able to visit Marseilles, Il and take pictures of the Rock Island Rail Road Depot.
     The Rock Island Railroad was completed in the early 1850’s. It paralleled the Illinois Michigan Canal over much of its route. It was responsible for the end of passenger service on the canal. It provided intense competition for freight service along the Illinois Valley.
     The first Rock Island Depot in Marseilles was constructed in 1867. This structure was small and constructed of wood. This became a hub to transport passengers and freight along the rail line. There was a 40 year court battle to replace the old building with a larger structure.
     Finally, a new depot was constructed in 1917. This was designed and constructed T.S. Peak from Chicago. The depot was rectangular in shape. It measured 90 X 25 feet. This facility was in operation until 1974. It was sold to a private business in 1984. This has been used as a dental office and a family practice office.   It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 7, 1995.