Chicago and North Western Railway (C&NW)
Discover the storied history of the Chicago and North Western Railway (C&NW), a key player in shaping the transportation landscape of the Midwest. Explore its origins, expansion, and pivotal role in connecting Racine to the broader rail network. Uncover the legacy of C&NW and its lasting impact on regional transportation.
Passenger and express workers pose for the photographer on a baggage cart under the brick arch at the south end of the Chicago & North Western Railway station platform near Liberty Street in Racine, about 1915.
A northbound steam-powered passenger train stops at the State Street depot in Racine. The station was opened in 1902. It was the gateway to the nation’s rail transportation network for most of eastern Racine County. Hundreds of rail passengers passed through the busy station each day.
The well-known Chicago architectural firm of Frost & Granger designed the Racine Passenger Station for the Chicago & North Western Railway (C & N~W Ry.). Frost & Granger designed more than 300 buildings for midwestern railroads around this time period, including many of the stations on the Chicago-Milwaukee route. Today it is registered on the U.S. Department of Interior’s List of Historic Places.
In addition to passenger services, the State Street depot in Racine provided fast mail and package express service. U.S. Mail workers quickly loaded the mail cars while the trains stopped for passengers.
In 1939 the Chicago & North Western placed the new streamlined “400” passenger trains in service on the Chicago-Minneapolis route. The high-speed trains traveled at speeds of more than 100 m.p.h. The trains were named, The “400” because they traveled the 400 mile route in less than 400 minutes.
A crowd of passengers board The “400” in 1955. The streamlined, air-conditioned streamlined trains were a very popular way to travel to Chicago, Minneapolis, Green Bay and throughout the state of Wisconsin.
With brakes smoking, the Chicago to Madison Capitol “400” screeched to a halt at Racine in August 1952. This “400” passenger train was the world’s fastest scheduled passenger train at that time, reaching top speeds of 117 m.p.h. when running between Waukegan and Kenosha. Ernie Maragos photo.
Delivery trucks from the Railway Express Agency are being loaded with packages for the Racine area at the express room of the Racine depot near Liberty Street on March 1, 1954. The depot was one of the main hubs for package and express delivery in Racine. Bob Gaulke photo.
A billboard announces the arrival of the new Bi-Level “400’s” in 1958. Passengers rode on two levels in these modern, streamlined cars.
A bi-level commuter train bound for Chicago brakes to a stop at the Racine station in 1966. The railroad provided fast commuter service to all cities between Milwaukee and Chicago. Passenger service to Racine ended in 1972.
The C&NW train conductor stands by as a group of elementary school children and their teachers gather on the platform after riding a commuter train from Milwaukee to Racine on the last day of operation for commuter trains, April 30, 1972. Learning to ride trains and buses was once a regular part of the school curriculum. Ralph Justen photo.
In 2005 the City of Racine converted the C&NW train station into the Racine Transit Center for use by bus passengers. Isthmus Architecture, Inc., architects, and Tri-North Construction, general contractors, were hired to restore the building to its original appearance. Keith M. Kohlmann photo.
The Racine Transit Center provides a warm and welcoming place for bus passengers to safely transfer between routes. The restored station reflects Racine’s rich architectural heritage. Keith M. Kohlmann photo.
The 1902 mixed Arts & Crafts design of the Racine depot is visible on the east side of the Racine Transit Center. The restoration included painting the windows and doors in their original colors. Keith M. Kohlmann photo.
The windows of the main waiting room inside the Racine depot are resplendent with morning light reflecting off the polished marble terrazzo tile floor. Keith M. Kohlmann photo.
The waiting room inside the Racine depot was restored to match the original 1902 appearance. It features an oak beam ceiling and oak paneling, pink terrazzo marble flooring as part of the original color scheme. Replica lighting, travel information, and wide views through the windows create a unique rider experience. Keith M. Kohlmann photo.
The Liberty Street side of the Racine depot under a blanket of fresh snow, January 2012. The Transit Center is open six days a week. Visitors are welcome. Keith M. Kohlmann photo.
The Union Pacific Railroad operates coal trains to Oak Creek and rock trains from Caledonia. These and other freight trains pass by the Racine Transit Center everyday. Keith M. Kohlmann photo.
