Monticello, IL

Change City

---

• Back to Things to Do

Monticello Railway Museum

992 Iron Horse Place

Monticello, IL 61856

Monticello Railway Museum

217-762-9011

History :

The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello & Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.

The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.

In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.

Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.

A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln & Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, & Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, & Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.

In March 1880, the C, H & W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, & Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana & Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H & W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.

In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.

Flag This Place

Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors.

AARP Events for Monticello

AARP Events for Monticello

• Featured Event

  Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You

  Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. CT

  Facebook and YouTube

  Online Event

• The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout

  Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

• Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi

  Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

View All AARP Events

Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal

• Immediate access to your member benefits
• Discounts on travel and everyday savings
• Subscription to AARP The Magazine
• FREE second membership

Join AARP

Already a member? Renew or Print Card

Facebook

Contact AARP
Illinois

• ILAARP@aarp.org
• AARP Illinois
• Contact Us

     

Return to top

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/monticello-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Monticello, IL</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]
Code Context
            <?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/monticello-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Monticello, IL</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/monticello-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Monticello, IL</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/monticello-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Monticello, IL</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/monticello-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Monticello, IL</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]
Code Context
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
',
	'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
',
	'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP'
)
$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Monticello Railway Museum</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>992 Iron Horse Place</div>
											<div>
							<span>Monticello</span>,
							<span>IL</span>
												<span>61856</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://www.mrym.org/" target="_blank">Monticello Railway Museum</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 217-762-9011</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Monticello+Railway+Museum%2C+992+Iron+Horse+Place%2C+Monticello%2C+IL+61856" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>History :</p>
<p>The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as "SPUR" (Society for the Preservation of Unretired Railfans). Its goal at that time was to maintain and operate steam powered passenger train excursions. In 1969 the name was changed to the Monticello &amp; Sangamon Valley Railroad Historical Society, Inc., and then in 1982 the name was again changed to the present day Monticello Railway Museum.</p>
<p>The first land purchased was about five miles of former Illinois Terminal right of way between Monticello and White Heath. This right of way had only ballast in place. A former popcorn field was purchased for the yard area. The volunteers prepared the yard area for the arrival of #1, the first engine acquired by the museum. Through the years track was laid toward White Heath until approximately 2½ miles was completed. A run-around was put in place at the north end (Blacker's). (A run-around enables an engine to "run-around" it's train to pull it in the reverse direction.) In 1988, this portion of the track became known as the Terminal Division.</p>
<p>In 1987, the Museum purchased 7 ½ miles of Illinois Central Gulf trackage between Monticello and White Heath which parallels the Illinois Terminal right-of-way. A crossover track connecting the two lines was installed in two weekends, and the first run into Monticello was made. The Alco RS-3 #301, led the way, followed by Davenport #44, and finally by steam locomotive #1. This became known as the Central Division.</p>
<p>Today the ride takes place on the Central Division, using the Terminal Division only when pulling into the depot at Nelson's Crossing. The station names used on both the Central and Terminal Divisions were used by the original railroads.</p>
<p>A few facts about the origin of our "Central Division" trackage On February 21, 1861, the Monticello Railroad Company was chartered. Construction began in 1863 and was completed in the 1870"s. Since then, trains have operated on this line. The Monticello Railroad Company consolidated with the Havana, Mason City, Lincoln &amp; Eastern Railroad in June of 1872. That same day, there was a consolidation with the Indianapolis, Bloomington, &amp; Western Railway and it became known as the Extension Railway. There was a default on the payments and the Champaign, Havana, &amp; Western Railway was incorporated in February, 1879.</p>
<p>In March 1880, the C, H &amp; W was consolidated and absorbed by Jay Gould's Wabash, St. Louis, &amp; Pacific Railway. The Wabash system, facing bankruptcy, sold its interest in the "Havana Division" to the Chicago, Havana &amp; Western Railway which was incorporated in October, 1886. The new C, H &amp; W was controlled by Edward Harriman, who was involved with the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>
<p>In March, 1888, the Illinois Central Railroad leased the line, and on December 15, 1902, purchased it for "$1.00 and other valuable considerations". The Illinois Central Railroad later merged with the Gulf, Mobile &amp; Ohio to become the Illinois Central Gulf. It has since returned to it's original name, the Illinois Central Railroad.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/monticello-il/report/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Monticello</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

										<h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3>
					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ilbalanced-living-active-balance-exercise-class-for-a-healthier-you-virtual-123124-73nd2cvj5q4.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ACTIVE-BALANCE-EXERCISE-CLASS-FOR-A-HEALTHIER-YOU">Active Balance Exercise Class for a Healthier You</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 10:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Facebook and YouTube</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-qigong-with-nate-12272024-64n6nsqv839.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-THE-HEALING-ART-OF-QIGONG-TRY-OUR-GENTLE-HOME-WORKOUT">The Healing Art of Qigong: Try Our Gentle Home Workout</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 12:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ak-tai-chi-with-mitch-for-strength-balance-and-relaxation-december-2024-anchorage-alaska-120624-fynwlvss9k5.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-LEARN-THE-ANCIENT-ART-OF-TAI-CHI">Fitness: Learn the Ancient Art of Tai Chi</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Dec 27, 2024 at 5:00&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MONTICELLO-IL">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Illinois Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Illinois</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:ILAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ILAARP@aarp.org</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Illinois</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-illinois-contact-us/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MONTICELLO-IL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/aarpillinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>
&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpillinoisjoy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a>


</div>
</div>

</div></div>
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div>
</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	</div>
<div class="row oneColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar -->
	<script type="text/javascript">
		jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() {
			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
		});
	</script>
</div>
</div>
'
$scripts_for_layout = '<title>Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL</title>
<meta name="page_title" content="Monticello Railway Museum - Monticello, IL"/>
<meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/>
<meta content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired" name="description"/>
<meta content="Monticello, Railway, Museum, IL" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/monticello-railway-museum-monticello-il.html"/>
<meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/>
<meta name="twitter:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta name="twitter:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="og:type" content="place"/>
<meta property="og:title" content="Monticello Railway Museum"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="History : The Monticello Railway Museum, a not-for-profit educational organization, was founded in 1966 as &quot;SPUR&quot; (Society for the Preservation of Unretired"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/>
<meta property="place:location:latitude" content="40.054199"/>
<meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-88.558998"/>
'
$title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP'
$asset_version = '230831'
$min = true
$nowrapper = false
$css = ''
$highlighting = ''
$location = '<a href="/monticello-il/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Monticello, IL</a>'
$no_header = false
$header_title = '<a href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/">Places</a>'
$header_subtitle = ''
$isPR = false
$navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse">
<div class="containerx">
	<div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div>
	<ul class="secondary-menu containerx" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true">
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/monticello-il/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li>
		<li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more">
			<span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span>
			<ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu">
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li>
				<!--
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li>
				<li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/monticello-il/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li>
				-->
			</ul>
		</li>
		
	</ul>
</div>
</nav>'
$header_custom = ''
$breadcrumbs = array(
	(int) 0 => array(
		'title' => 'Things to Do',
		'slug' => 'things-to-do'
	)
)
$row = array(
	'title' => 'Back to Things to Do',
	'slug' => 'things-to-do'
)
$i = (int) 0
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118