One of a unique trio of bridges built for the Illinois Central Rail Road by engineer Robert F. Laing, this stone arch bridge was constructed with arching stones 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 Illinois Central Rail Road first employed 50-foot American Passenger wooden coaches in 1856.

Photo: Duane and Tracy Marsteller

Dixon, Illinois · USA