National Register Listing

Watseka Union Depot

South Second St., Watseka, IL
Local significance of the building:
Social History; Transportation; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

social history transportation community planning and development
Abraham Lincoln, one of the most famous presidents in U.S. history, spent much of his early political career in Illinois. He served in the Illinois state legislature and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois in 1846.
Illinois random facts
Iroquois County, Illinois has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi, Kickapoo, and Miami. The region was known for its fertile land and abundant wildlife, making it an attractive place for these indigenous groups to settle.

In the early 19th century, European settlers started to arrive in Iroquois County. The first permanent settler was John Wooden, who established a homestead in what is now Beaverville in 1826. As more settlers arrived, the county began to develop, with the first town, Milford, being founded in 1836. Agriculture quickly became the dominant industry, with farmers planting crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans.

During the mid-19th century, Iroquois County experienced significant growth and development. The Illinois Central Railroad was completed in 1855, providing a vital transportation link for the county. This led to the establishment of several new towns, including Watseka, the county seat, in 1865. The railroad also facilitated the growth of industries such as logging and manufacturing.

In the 20th century, Iroquois County continued to thrive as an agricultural and industrial hub. The introduction of mechanization in farming allowed for increased productivity, and the county became known for its corn and soybean production. The manufacturing sector also expanded, with industries such as automotive and food processing becoming prominent. Today, Iroquois County remains an important agricultural and manufacturing region, preserving its historical legacy while continuing to adapt and grow with the changing times.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Iroquois County, Illinois.

  • 1830: Iroquois County was established by the Illinois General Assembly.
  • 1836: The first settlers began arriving in the area.
  • 1837: The county seat was established in the town of Iroquois.
  • 1843: The county seat was moved to Watseka.
  • 1851: The Illinois Central Railroad was completed, connecting the county to other parts of the state.
  • 1861-1865: Many residents of Iroquois County fought in the American Civil War.
  • 1871: The Great Chicago Fire caused a significant increase in population as many people moved to the county.
  • 1893: The Watseka Street Railway was established, providing public transportation within the county.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression had a significant impact on the county's economy.
  • 1940s-1950s: The construction of highways and improved transportation infrastructure further connected Iroquois County.
  • 2000s: The county continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture being an important part of its economy.