Illinois Terminal Railroad Co. - 1940's-50's dated Stock Certificate - Available in Green or Orange

Stock engraved by American Bank Note Company. Winged female vignette. Available in Green or Orange. Please specify color.

The Illinois Terminal Railroad Company (ITC) began as a collection of streetcar and switching lines in the late 19th century. Over time, it transformed into a renowned heavy-duty interurban electric railroad known as the Illinois Traction System (ITS). Established in the early 1900s by William B. McKinley, the ITS experienced rapid expansion, connecting major hubs such as Danville, Peoria, Springfield, and St. Louis with an extensive network of over 500 miles of track. Renowned for its reliable passenger service and substantial freight business, the ITS stood out for its unique ability to operate high-speed electric trains through rural landscapes and directly onto city streets. This exceptional service earned it the esteemed moniker “The Road of Personalized Services.”

However, the railroad faced financial challenges during the Great Depression. In response, it underwent reorganization in 1937 and adopted the name Illinois Terminal. This change emphasized its role as a freight interchange for major steam railroads. Although passenger demand briefly surged during World War II, reaching a peak of 8.6 million passengers in 1945, the post-war rise of automobiles and modern highways ultimately led to its decline. Passenger operations officially ceased in 1956, and the railroad was acquired by a consortium of nine connecting lines. These lines transformed the ITC into a diesel-powered freight operation, which continued until 1982. In that year, the Norfolk and Western Railway acquired its partners’ interests and fully merged the ITC into its own system.