Historical Marker

Historic Railroad

Historical marker location:

Paducah, Kentucky

( 1500 Ky. Ave., Paducah)

The Illinois Central is successor to Paducah's original railroad, the New Orleans and Ohio, which on July 4, 1854, ran its first train. The most prominent railroad landmark in Paducah is company's large shops, on a 110-acre site, begun in 1925, finished two years later. Since then Paducah Shop has been principal Illinois Central locomotive facility.

Reverse

Illinois Central - Charles H. Markham was president of the railroad when he dedicated the new shop in 1927. His bust is on the shop grounds. The Illinois Central serves Paducah from all points of compass, including the great coal fields to the east. Its main north-south freight line, the Edgewood Cutoff, crosses the Ohio River over Metropolis Bridge a few miles downstream. Presented by Illinois Central R.R.