 Original plan from Chicago to Galena | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Locale | northern Illinois |
| Dates of operation | 1836 (chartered); 1848 (in service)–1864 |
| Successor | Chicago and North Western |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
The Galena and Chicago Union Railroad (G&CU) was the first railroad constructed out of Chicago, intended to provide a shipping route between Chicago and the lead mines near Galena, Illinois. The railroad company was chartered on January 16, 1836,[1] but financial difficulties delayed construction until 1848.[2] While the main line never reached Galena, construction to Freeport, Illinois, allowed it to connect with the Illinois Central Railroad, thus providing an indirect route to Galena. A later route went to Clinton, Iowa.
- ^ An Act to Incorporate the Galena and Chicago Union Rail Road Company, January 16, 1836. In Laws of the State of Illinois, Ninth General Assembly, Second Session, 1835–1836. pp. 24–30. – via Internet Archive.
- ^ McLear, Patrick E. JSTOR 40191560 "The Galena and Chicago Union Railroad: A Symbol of Chicago's Economic Maturity"], Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, Vol. 73, No. 1 (Spring 1980), pp. 17–26 [24].