This web site features images scanned from a 48-page publicity booklet issued by the Chicago & Illinois Midland Railway. The booklet includes only four pages of text, with a brief survey of the railroad’s history. The rest of the booklet consists of pictures of railroad right of way, stations, facilities, rolling stock and locomotives, and a map.

The date of this booklet is unknown. The text refers to the end of passenger service in 1953, but the photographs appear to come from earlier years — judging from automobile models in a few pictures, and the fact that there is no picture of the 750-series 2-10-2s purchased in 1951 from the Atlantic Coast Line. (The C&IM operated steam power until 1955.) The map still shows lines long-abandoned in the 1950s such as the Chicago, Springfield & St. Louis, and the Illinois Central Electric interurban line in Fulton County (discontinued in 1928).

I am told that this booklet was reissued by the C&IM historical society, but I have no further information about that. The Chicago & Illinois Midland is now the Illinois & Midland Railroad, part of the Genesee & Wyoming system.

Click on the thumbnail below to bring up a full size image. You can also page through the book from one image to the previous or next one. All pages are shown except blanks, and the back cover which has a black-and-white version of the C&IM herald. In its place we have substituted a photo of one of the ex-ACL 2-10-2s. I have added my commentary only on the pages showing steam locomotives.

Dr. Richard Leonard