Will County's Historic Landmarks
Will County Rural Structure Surveys
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Historic Landmark Registry - Wabash Railroad Depot |
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In the late 19th century, railroads revolutionized transportation in America. Among the most significant railroad systems was the Wabash Railway Company, which linked St. Louis with the cities of the east by way of Toledo. In 1880, The Wabash extended a line to Chicago, then an emerging rail hub. The Ritchie Railroad Depot is a remnant of that line.
Throughout its history the Ritchie Railroad Depot has served as the center of several communities. The depot was first located within the hamlet of Ritchie, which developed after the Wabash line to Chicago was constructed. When the line was straightened, it bypassed Ritchie to the north. The depot, a grain elevator, and three houses were moved several miles to form the new community of North Ritchie, which later became known as Ballou. Ballou never even became as large as Ritchie, and eventually the depot was moved to a site along the line just north of Ritchie where it stood until the 1960’s when passenger service on the line ended.
The design of the Ritchie Depot is significant for several reasons. With board-and-batten siding and minimal decoration the construction reflects its simple rural setting. Its small size befits the small community it served. At first its disproportionate height is somewhat of a puzzle, but given thorough consideration it seems logical that the taller walls and windows allowed the stationmaster to view a train from top to bottom without ever leaving the station.
The depot is actually in much better condition then it appears. The siding and windows are original, but the roof and door have been replaced. The depot’s owners use the structure to sell tickets for the corn maze and hayrack rides the have on their farm each year, and would like to fully and authentically restore the depot.
Miles from the nearest railroad track; it is a curious site indeed making it a prominent visual feature marking an otherwise nondescript country intersection.
The Ritchie Railroad Depot was designated a Will County landmark on October 17, 2002.
Historic Name: Wabash Railroad Depot
Common Name: Ritchie Railroad Depot
Location: Wesley Township, IL
(This site is located on private property and permission must be granted by the property owner to view the monument in its entirety.)
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