Chicago and Northwestern Railroad

Constructed: 1853

Built by the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad Company in 1853, this was the first railroad constructed in DeKalb County. Its first station was located at Third Street, just north of the tracks; later, another station was added across the street. This station was later moved to a location between Sixth and Seventh Streets, North of the tracks. The East end of the station served as a passenger station, while the West end was used for freight. This station was replaced in 1891 when the railroad added a second track.* The Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company later bought the road and developed it into a lucrative enterprise. Running from Dixon in the West to St. Charles in the East, the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad was the only double-track road to span the entire width of the county.**

Railroad commerce led to growth in the towns of DeKalb, Malta and Cortland, all of which featured depot stations. DeKalb's population grew particularly rapidly after the arrival of the railroad; its population was 29 in 1850, 486 in 1854, and 557 in 1855. DeKalb became incorporated as a village in 1856, reached a population of 900 by 1860; over the next five years, its population increased by 42% to 1282. In 1858, DeKalb managed over 10,000 tons of freight, and by the mid-1860's reportedly stored more wood for fuel than any other town on the railroad.**

Images of Chicago and Northwestern Railroad.

Sources:
*North Western Lines, Winter 1992, p.35.
**DeKalb Daily Chronicle. June 25, 1981.