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Third Annual Southeast Iowa Depot Tour planned
By Virginia Ekstrand
Oct. 5, 2023 5:07 pm
The Third Annual Southeast Iowa Tour is scheduled for October 7 and 8. There are a number of depots in Southeast Iowa of historic interest. As the westward movement gained momentum, the argument arose as to whether transportation should be supported by water or rail. The Mississippi River was the main method of getting crops, livestock and people place to place. Railroads however were faster and more reliable. Additionally the west was largely devoid of large navigable rivers to carry produce. The first C&RI locomotive, the Antoine Le Claire, was ferried across the Mississippi in 1854. As the railroads expanded throughout Iowa, every small town fought to have a line run to their town. The railroad through town meant survivial.
There is a dedicated group of railroad historians and “buffs” in Southeast Iowa and their efforts have resulted in the Depot Tour. Some of the depots on the tour are actually owned and maintained by individuals. In every depot you will see the concern and love each community brings to their town history.
This year there are nine depots on the tour. Each has an important story to tell. A brief description of each follows. There is no particular order.
The Pilot Grove Depot, Dover Museum, 213 West Main Street, New London, IA will be open 9am – 5pm. Built in 1906, the Pilot Grove Depot was moved to New London in 2012. The Nichting family wished to see the Depot preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The Eldon Depot: 405 KD Avenue, Eldon, IA will be open 8am – 5 pm. Saturday night at 5 pm, as a special treat this year, the Eldon Depot will be serving their Annual Hobo Stew!! A free will offering will give you a taste of life during the Depression when many men traveled the rails looking for work and preparing food found along the way.
The Douds Depot; 14168 Walnut Street, Douds, IA, will be open 10am – 4 pm. This beautiful depot has a new roof. Built in 1907, its architecture is unusual. It serves as both a railroad and mining museum. It is waiting to welcome you.
The Milton; North Main Street, Milton, IA will be open 9am – 4 pm. The depot dates from 1871 – 1969. The depot is now in the city park and is used for community events. This depot reflects the design of many depots built after the Civil War.
The Stockport; Peavine Line Museum, 104 North Main Street, Stockport, IA will be open 9am – 5 pm. Originally in Longview, this depot was moved to Stockport on two flat cars. It contains memoribilia of both the C.B.&Q. Railroad and the Peavine Line that ran from Fort Madison to Ottumwa.
The Fort Madison Depot Museums; South end of 10th Street, Fort Madison, IA will be open 8am – 5pm. The CB&Q depot is celebrating their 125 th anniversary. Popcorn and other treats will be served. There is also a caboose to tour.
The Yarmouth and Hillsboro Depots; 405 East Thresher Road, Mount Pleasant, IA are open as Walk Around sites. These depots are on the Old Thresher Grounds and are used for popular Mount Pleasant events such as Old Threshers, Haunted Rails and the North Pole Express.
The Donnellson Depot; 376-498 Mill Street, Connellson, IA will be open 11am – 4 pm. Built in 1871, the depot now contains Donnellson historical items. Donnellson is holding its Oktoberfest October 7 from 10am – 2pm at the Lee County Fairgrounds. Increase your fun and attend both events.
Each year, the tour grows. It is important to remember that trains were around before there were cars and paved roads. The first railroad was built in 1804 in England. By the 1830s railroads were being constructed all over the world. White men were legally allowed west of the Mississippi in 1832. Just two decades later, railroads began construction in Iowa. Short lines, now known as Class III railroads, were the backbone infrastructure of the day. Our depots preserve the history of those prosperous days. Take advantage of this tour and enjoy the stories of success of our early settlers.