The railroad started with the creation of the Indianapolis to Lafayette line
http://www.abandonedrails.com/Lafayette_to_Indianapolis
https://www.classicstreamliners.com/rr-big-four.html
This abandoned railway line, originally between Indianapolis and Lafayette, was built by the Lafayette and Indianapolis Railroad in 1850. Over the years and due to mergers, the line was owned by a number of railroads during its operation:
It was abandoned in two stages: Lebanon to Zionsville in 1976 (Docket USRA-574), and Lafayette to Lebanon in 1985 (Docket AB-167-637-N).
Thanks to Bob Lemmon for contributing information about this route
https://www.classicstreamliners.com/rr-big-four.html
This abandoned railway line, originally between Indianapolis and Lafayette, was built by the Lafayette and Indianapolis Railroad in 1850. Over the years and due to mergers, the line was owned by a number of railroads during its operation:
- Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Lafayette Railroad, 1867
- Cincinnati, Chicago and St Louis Railroad, 1880
- Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St Louis Railroad (the Big Four), 1889
- New York Central Railroad, 1930
- Penn Central Railroad, 1968
- Conrail, 1976
It was abandoned in two stages: Lebanon to Zionsville in 1976 (Docket USRA-574), and Lafayette to Lebanon in 1985 (Docket AB-167-637-N).
Thanks to Bob Lemmon for contributing information about this route
The depot shown below was built on the north side of the track in 1879 and razed in 1960.
There was an earlier depot on the south side of the tracks but no photos have surfaed.
There was an earlier depot on the south side of the tracks but no photos have surfaed.
This railroad marker from CCC&St.L still stands today along the Big 4 walking trail in the Legacy core area of town.
Coal car- back of photo identifies the man as "Uncle Minnice" Sortor
This photo was among others posted in the Indianapolis News in 1953. That full page article can be seen on the school page.
CCCStl Employee trip pass 1912(front)
CCCStl Employee trip pass 1912(back)
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1851 (same year as the incorporation of Whitestown) railroad stock from the Lafayette/Indianapolis railroad signed by Albert S. Whites, namesake of Whitestown and President of the railroad
1875 stock certificate from the Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Lafayette railroad
Whitestow depot (date unknown)
notice the difference in the other photo with the power poles on the other side. Time between the photos is unknown but look at the maturity of the trees in the background
I'm told the little house to the left of the depot (in the background) was the Courtney home
A train belonging to the Big 4
Date and location unknown
Big 4 circa 1914. Photo submitted by Harley Sheets. Ran in Millennium Ed of Reporter on 12.31.1999
Whistle stop from Reporter 12.31.1999
Postcard real photo Big Four train wreck 1909
Postcard real photo Big Four train wreck 1909 (back)
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Big 4 handcars
Undated but likely 1931 on their way to the Century of Progress show in Chicago. Bottom image shows the 1st NYC train from 1831 displayed on a flatcar
Train wreck behind the Whitestown Lumber Center. Date unknown
Coal unloading station alongside Clyde Laughners pharmacy. This photo was taken from the site of the current post office. The little angled building behind the power pole on the right is the site of the current (2018) Pizza King
A New Yord Central rail car that appears to be promoting war bonds
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Train wreck behind the Whitestown Lumber Center. Date unknown
Whitestown Lumber Company unloading coal from the train. Date unknown
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CCC&StL oil lantern
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CCC&StL oil lantern
New York Central conductors hat. The NYC ran thru Whitestown from 1930-1968 along the old Big Four route. A peek inside the hat shows a wicker construction.
1895 map of CCCStl railroad map scanned from an original from April of 1895
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Railroad map of Indiana 1852
The depot was razed before I was born, so I never got to see it, but I wanted to get a better feel for the structure so I built a 1:24 scale model of it. The depot was built in 1879 and razed in 1960
