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Rare Midwestern Railway Map and Report

This detailed map illustrates the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad and its connections across Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The map includes major cities, towns, counties, and geographical features, with different colors used to distinguish various railroad lines. The map is included in the "Sixth Annual Report" of the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad Company.

The Galena & Chicago Union Railroad was one of the first railroads in Illinois, playing a significant role in the development and economic growth of the Midwest. This map captures the early stages of railroad expansion in the region, reflecting the increasing importance of rail transport in the mid-19th century. The map's inclusion in the annual report highlights the significance of the railroad's progress and development during that time.

Galena and Chicago Union Railroad

The Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, also known as the Galena Union, was one of first railroad to operate in the Chicago area and played a key role in the development and growth of the city. The Galena Union was chartered in 1836, just a few years after the first railroad in the United States began operation. It was designed to connect the lead mining region around Galena, Illinois with the growing city of Chicago. At the time, the transportation of lead ore from Galena to Chicago was mostly done by riverboats, which was slow and unreliable. The railroad was seen as a way to improve the efficiency of transporting the ore and other goods between the two locations.

Construction of the Galena Union began in 1848 and the first train ran on the line in 1851. The railroad was initially built to a gauge of 5 feet, which was different from the standard gauge of 4 feet 8.5 inches that was used on most other railroads in the United States. This caused problems when the Galena Union connected with other railroads, as the trains had to be transferred between gauges at the connection points.   In 1850, the Galena Union was completed as far as Elgin. Along with the Illinois & Michigan Canal, it was a were vital part of the development of Chicago.

In 1862, the Galena Union leased the Cedar Rapids & Missouri Railroad, which would go on toe become t he first railroad to reach Council Bluffs, Iowa and the first transcontinental railroad.  

Rarity

The map and pamphlet are very rare on the market.

Byrd (1965) lists Yale University (Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library), Chicago Historical Society (Chicago History Museum), Illinois State Historical Library (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library), American Antiquarian Society, New York Public Library, and the Graff Collection (Newberry Library).

Provenance:  J.H. Watkinson (likely John H. Watkinson of Middletown, Connecticut, who served as President of the Middletown Natonal Bank).