PASSENGER TRAINS IN CHICAGO
PRIOR TO AMTRAK
Prior to Amtrak's creation in 1971, many private railroads operated passenger trains in and out of Chicago. Included are sample departures and arrivals of trains for each railroad for the years 1942, 1956, and 1971. Also included are descriptions of the many different routings to get in and out of the various downtown terminals. Finally, are timelines graphically showing the decline of passenger trains, beginning in 1956. 1956 was the peak year of the streamliner, and also the first year the Interstate highway system was created.
CENTRAL STATION
Former railroads: Illinois Central, NYC (Big Four, Michigan Central)
Sample Departures and Arrivals
Routings
DEARBORN STATION
Former railroads: Santa Fe, C&O, C&EI, Erie, GTW, Monon, Wabash
Sample Departures and Arrivals
Routings
LA SALLE STREET STATION
Former railroads: Rock Island, New York Central, Nickel Plate
Sample Departures and Arrivals
Routings
GRAND CENTRAL STATION
Former railroads: B&O, C&O (Pere Marquette), CGW, Soo Line
Sample Departures and Arrivals
Routings
UNION STATION
Former railroads: Burlington, Alton (GM&O), Pennsylvania, Milwaukee Road
Sample Departures and Arrivals
Routings
NORTHWESTERN STATION
Former railroads: C&NW, UP (via C&NW), B&O/C&O (1969-1971)
Sample Departures and Arrivals
Routings
These maps of railroads in the Chicago area will aid in the understanding of the various passenger train routes.
Information is from various issues of "The Official Guide of the Railways", and from various actual railroad timetables.