February 12, 2025
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Amtrak celebrates 50 years of travel through rural Illinois

Princeton officials greet local and state dignitaries to commemorate the milestone anniversary

By Kim Shute

Princeton officials gathered at the Amtrak Depot in Rotary Park on Wednesday morning to mark the 50th anniversary of Amtrak travel through rural Illinois. They were joined by local and state dignitaries who were riding the rails to mark the occasion. Among those pictured are: Marc Magliari, government affairs information officer for Amtrak; Derrick James, government affairs manager for Amtrak; Michael Inman, mayor of Macomb; Scott Coker, city manager of Macomb; Kristin Terry, Macomb director of marketing and downtown development; John Bannon, Macomb community development coordinator; Peter Schwartzman, mayor of Galesburg; Joel Quiram, mayor of Princeton; Theresa Wittenauer, city manager of Princeton; Mike Troup, mayor of Quincy; Brad Stotler, district director for office of Congressman Darin LaHood. (Kim Shute)

PRINCETON — A handful of Princeton officials met at Wednesday’s 8:40 a.m. commuter train, waiting to greet local and state dignitaries riding the rails to commemorate Amtrak’s 50th anniversary of travel through rural Illinois.

Princeton was the culmination of several stops along the route from Western Illinois, as riders were taken by trolley for Myrtle’s Pie before making the return trip to their respective stops.

Princeton Mayor Joel Quiram marked the occasion by noting how rail travel to Princeton has become an important attraction for the city as well as a benefit of the city for residents.

“This would not be possible without the commitment of local, state and federal officials who have wisely allocated continued funding to keep these trains alive,” Quiram said. “We rely on their commitments to keep these vital trains rolling for another 50-plus years through the heart of Illinois.”

Quiram said the depot itself is a reminder how forward-thinking can sustain and expand economic growth and significant quality of life.

The depot was constructed in 1911 by the order of Darius Miller, president of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Miller was raised in Princeton and later worked his way through the railroad ranks, becoming its president, Quiram said.

“As relevant today as it was 110 years ago, the depot symbolizes how comparatively small investments can have a far-reaching, positive influence on the lives of those who work, live and play within 150 miles of Princeton.

“Rail services have allowed us to commute to work, visit museums and shopping and sustain our access to the world through long-distance train travel,” Quiram said. “The railroad is part of Princeton’s history and the history of Illinois.”