Site of the Illinois Traction System and Depot
Site of the Illinois Traction System and Depot (125 North West Street)
An early photograph of the Illinois Terminal System (ITS) Depot.
The Illinois Traction System (ITS), later known as the Illinois Terminal, was a major part of Carlinville transportation and economic development. The ITS provided electric passenger rail service on 550 miles of tracks in central and southern Illinois from St. Louis to Springfield, Illinois, with branches from Springfield northwest to Peoria and eastward to Danville. The ITS was started in the early 1900s by businessman William B. McKinley (not the president). The track was first laid through this area in 1904, and passenger service continued until March 8, 1956. Freight service continued until the railroad ceased in 1982.
For much of its existence, the ITS rolled north-south down present-day West Street in Carlinville, sharing the roadway with automobiles, which was a standard practice in most ITS towns. The McKinley Bridge across the Mississippi River, originally built in 1910 to carry the Illinois Traction System’s trolley cars over to St. Louis, survives to this day. At the present time, some sections of the Illinois Terminal System have been turned into bike/walking trails. The ITS remains a favorite of Illinois railroad buffs, and an active historical society exists to promote the line’s legacy.
ITS Trolley Car
For much of its existence, the ITS rolled north-south down present-day West Street in Carlinville, sharing the roadway with automobiles, which was a standard practice in most ITS towns.