Top Header « »

 27. Rock Island Railroad Depot

611 W. Broadway Ave
(rebuilt 1940's)Louden Logo

This former train station served the Rock Island Railroad.  See Fairfield railroad history here.

In 1870 the Fairfield city fathers lobbied the Chicago & Southwestern Railroad (which became the Rock Island) to come through Fairfield instead of Ottumwa to provide competition for the C. B & Q.

The Louden Company became one of the largest shippers in the Mid-west.

The Rock Island carried freight and passengers until its demise in 1980.  Other parts of the abandoned railroad roadbed are now used for a bike/hiking trail.

The railroad tracks were removed in Oct 2014.

The deluxe passenger rail cars and cabooses you may see belong to Rail Merchants International.

The Walking part of the Tour ends here.  Or walk back on Broadway Ave (eastward) and walk into the Post Office lobby at the corner of 2nd Street to see two restored WPA murals, then return to Central Square.

Scroll down to see more photos.

Former Rock Island Railroad Station  June 2009.
Train Station

West Broadway Avenue, looking east.  11-09-10
West Broadway Ave

West Broadway Ave, about 1910
About 1910, West Broadway Ave

U.S. Post Office, West Broadway at 2nd Ave.     Scroll down to view the murals.
Post Office

One of 2 WPA murals in the post office lobby.
Post Office Mural.

The 2nd mural.
Post Office Mural.

Looking east from the Post Office toward the Square.
Approaching the Square on West Broadway Ave

Halloween 2010 at the Chamber office, next to the post office.  10-30-10
Halloween 2010 at the Chamber office, next to the post office.

Looking west on West Broadway Ave.
West Broadway Ave

«Site Map Button   Map Button   Home Button »