Explore the Legacy of the C&EI Railroad
Journey Through History with Our Museum, Maps, and Guided Tours
Welcome to the C&EI Railroad Historical Society Museum
The Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad Historical Society maintains a museum in two rooms of the Watseka Union Station in Watseka, Illinois. The depot was acquired by the Watseka Historical society and moved about three hundred feet to the east of the original location in 1988. A new basement was constructed under the relocated building, and it was then lowered to its new foundation. The historical group then began the restoration project to restore the exterior and interior of the building to is original appearance. The facility now provides a location for various Watseka area function such as dinners, charity events and even wedding receptions. The depot level consists of a main waiting room a ladies waiting room, former office and baggage are for the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railroad and the former office and baggage aera of the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad.
In April 1997, the C&EI Historical society moved into the former C&EI office and baggage room and began restoration of the rooms. The area was cleaned, walls restored to original colors of the CEI, the ticket windows cleaned, and the baggage room restored. The baggage room is used for storage of documents and railroadiana material the society has collected. The office area is used for displays with overflow moved to the baggage room area. The volunteer of the society completed the restoration.
The depot is a great train watching location. Today the Union Pacific and CSX Transportation operate some 30 trains per day on the joint double track. The former TP&W Railroad is operated by the Genesee and Wyoming and operated one train day each way.
The museum may be open the first Saturday of the month from May to October by appointment only, contact 217-552-6514 to plan arrangements for a visit. It is open the first Saturday in October during the fall event held by the Watseka Historical Society at the old courthouse building located one block away from the depot.
History of Watseka Union Depot
The Watseka Union Depot, where our museum is housed, was originally constructed in 1906 to serve the growing rail traffic in Watseka, Illinois. The depot accommodated both the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad (C&EI) and the Toledo, Peoria and Western Railway (TP&W). After being saved from demolition in the late 1980s, the depot was moved to its current location, restored, and eventually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Exhibits and Collections
Our museum offers a wide range of exhibits that capture the essence of the C&EI Railroad’s operations and legacy:
- C&EI Operations: Explore detailed displays that showcase the daily operations, from the bustling yards to the powerful locomotives that drove the railroad’s success.
- Community Impact: Learn how the C&EI Railroad influenced the growth and development of towns and cities throughout Illinois and Indiana.
- Technological Innovations: Discover the advancements in railroad technology that the C&EI helped pioneer, including signaling systems and locomotive design.
- Historical Artifacts: View an array of artifacts including original tickets, tools, uniforms, and more that bring the history of the railroad to life.
Visitor Information
Location
Watseka Union Depot
121 South 2nd Street, Watseka, Illinois
The museum may be open the first Saturday of the month from May to October by appointment only, contact 217-552-6514 to plan arrangements for a visit. It is open the first Saturday in October during the fall event held by the Watseka Historical Society at the old courthouse building located one block away from the depot.
Train Watching
The depot is a great train watching location. Today the Union Pacific and CSX Transportation operate some 30 trains per day on the joint double track. The former TP&W Railroad is operated by the Genesee and Wyoming and operated one train day each way.
Events and Activities
Throughout the year, the C&EI Railroad Historical Society hosts special events at the museum, including historical presentations, model displays, and annual meetings. These events provide an excellent opportunity for members and visitors to engage with the rich history of the railroad and connect with fellow enthusiasts.