The Rock Island Depot, one of the cornerstones of Chillicothe’s history, desperately needs your assistance! The Chillicothe Historical Society took ownership of the Depot in 2000, located at the corner of Third and Cedar Streets. Dedicated members and friends rallied together to rescue it from demolition, recognizing its significance in Chillicothe’s past. Originally built in 1854 by the Peoria and Bureau Valley Railroad Company, the first depot on this site served the town until a fire destroyed it in 1889. The current building, erected in 1889, stood neglected after the Rock Island RR ceased operations in 1980 until the Historical Society acquired it.

With patience and meticulous care, society members revitalized the interior, restored the exterior, and curated a collection of railroad memorabilia. The depot now boasts impressive displays chronicling the history of the Rock Island Line and the Atcheson Topeka and Santa Fe RR. Despite its modest size, the quality of the depot and its exhibits rivals that of larger museums.

Over the years, members of the CHS undertook the maintenance and upkeep of the depot. However, the challenges of age and health have taken their toll, making it physically impossible for them to continue. Now, we face the daunting task of raising funds to hire professionals for the necessary restoration work, a significant financial hurdle.

Like many volunteer associations, the Chillicothe Historical Society relies on membership dues, donations, and contributions from history enthusiasts. Unlike some organizations, it receives no income from taxing bodies for its existence. Unfortunately, advancing age and a dwindling membership have made traditional fundraisers, such as bake sales, yard sales, and chili suppers impractical. This has led to a reduction in operating funds.

Competitive estimates indicate that $10,000 is needed to complete the restoration project. We appeal to anyone who values the preservation of our history to help us reach this financial goal. If you can contribute, please contact the Chillicothe Historical Society at 309-274-9076 or visit the main museum at 723 N. Fourth Street, PO Box 181, Chillicothe, Illinois 61523, on Sundays from 1–4 pm. Your support will play a vital role in ensuring the continued legacy of Chillicothe’s historic Depot.

To contribute, please visit our GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/f/CHS-Depot-Restore.