1846
180th anniversary
OpeningUnited States
First Train Departs Chicago
Galena and Chicago Union Railroad
Chicago
June 19, 1846
Summary
The Galena and Chicago Union Railroad operated its first train out of Chicago, marking the birth of rail service in the city.
Full Story
On June 19, 1846, the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad ran its inaugural train from Chicago's Kinzie Street depot westward, pulled by the locomotive 'Pioneer'. This 8-mile journey to Oak Park represented Chicago's entry into the railroad age and laid the foundation for the city's emergence as the nation's rail hub. Engineer John B. Turner oversaw operations amid prairie challenges including mud and lack of ballast. The event connected emerging Midwestern grain markets to Lake Michigan ports, spurring explosive urban growth and later mergers into the Chicago and North Western Railway.
Continue Reading
Members get access to extended stories, related events, source documents, and historical context.
Quick Facts
- Date
- June 19, 1846
- Event Type
- Opening
- Country
- United States
- Years Ago
- 180
Explore More History
RailScanPro members get access to our complete archive of railroad history with advanced search, filtering, and thousands of events.
Subscribe Now