This bridge is one of a unique trio built for the Illinois Central Rail Road by engineer Robert F. Laing. Its arching stones were cut to fit from native Galena limestone quarried near Dixon. The first train carrying passengers and freight on the Cairo to East Dubuque, Illinois route arrived at Dixon on February 1, 1855. The bridges remained in use until December 21, 1985, and in 1987 they were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The wood-fired steam engine is a Rogers 4-4-0 built for the I.C.R.R. about 1855.

Photo: Duane and Tracy Marsteller

Dixon, Illinois · USA