HISTORY

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE STATION:

In August of 1883, the Toledo, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad built an unusually large train station overlooking fields and coal mines south of Edwardsville. Its original address was 508 S. Fillmore. Over the course of its 80+ years of service, this unique country station welcomed thousands of visitors and newcomers to Edwardsville, witnessed historic events, sent local troops off to war, and played host to commuters, travelers, and merchants.

Its fascinating history and remarkable stability prompted the Goshen Preservation Alliance to save the station from the wrecking ball in 1989 and move it to a safe location in 1991. In 2000, the GPA cleaned, painted, repaired and installed a new chimney and roof, adding decades to its survival. At the time, it was also opened to the public for tours. In March of 2019, the City of Edwardsville acquired the station and initiated a partnership with the Edwardsville Children's Museum to breathe new life into this local treasure.

• 1883 - Construction is completed on the station, then located at 508 South Fillmore Street in Edwardsville.
• 1890 - Industrial pioneer N.O. Nelson arrives and founds the Village of Leclaire.
• 1904 - Passengers travel from the station to St. Louis for the World's Fair.
• 1917 - Cheering crowds bid farewell to 172 servicemen leaving for World War I.
• 1922 - Station and rail acquired by the Nickel Plate Railroad.
• 1959 - Last passenger train leaves the station.
• 1967 - The last Station Agent, Gale Rafaelle leaves permanently.
• 1967 to 1983 - Station used as track and train crew quarters.
• 1983 - Station is vacated.
• 1989 - GPA saves station from demolition and purchases the building.
• 1991 - GPA moves station to SIUE's Wagner Complex.
• 2000 - Station is cleaned, painted, repaired and new roof and chimney installed.
• 2019 - City of Edwardsville acquires station. Edwardsville Children's Museum agrees to operate.