Does anyone know the last time a train ran from north to east on the Canton,Il-Yates City BNSF line? Or why they quit using it? I have loved trains since a kid & remember them using them in the 80’s and the last time i seen a train at least on the Canton south end was the mid 1990’s.
I also read that KJR (Keokuk Junction Railroad) was trying to get a contract with BNSF to use the north south line from Farmington through Canton as there are several businesses intrested in dealing with rail. That was earlier this year. Does anyone know about this? If the bnsf doesnt use the track why are they being so difficult in a contract? It’s not like they’re planning on using it.
I would also like to know what had happened to the tracks that ran to London Mills,Il -Farmington- to Peoria. Why was that abandoned & when did they last use it. I have always wondered about this line everytime i pass through Farmington. My guess is the shut downs of the coal mines put an end to this line as my dad worked at the trivoli midland mine til it shut down in the 80’s.
The BNSF’s Yates City - Vermont (IL) line lost all of its business in the 1980’s save for one customer - CILCO’s Duck Creek Station, which opened in 1976. Coal trains coming out of Crown Two Mine near Virden (IL) used the Vermont - Dunfermline segment to reach Duck Creek for 30 years. In 2005, AmerenCILCO constructed a spur to the KJRY (former TP&W) and early the following year began purchasing coal from a mine served by the Union Pacific. Due to this switch, BNSF had no business left on its branchline. The last known BNSF train to operate through Farmington and Canton was in 1999. A couple of people tell me they saw a BNSF C44-9W pull a string of empty autoracks through town. In spring 2000, BNSF removed the TP&W crossing at Canton, such a movement has been impossible since that time.
In August 2006, BNSF and KJRY announced a lease/haulage deal in which shortline KJRY would handle BNSF traffic between Farmington and Dunfermline for a flat per car fee. Apparently, BNSF sought to maintain access to the Duck Creek power plant in case they regained the contract, but they had little interest in providing service to the then-Central Illinois Energy Co-Op ethanol plant that was being built on the Duck Creek plant spur. The deal was opposed by AmerenCILCO, claiming that competitive access gained when they constructed a connection to the KJRY would be wiped out if the same railroad provided service on the other line. The accusation was ridiculous since KJRY possesed limited pricing power, but the STB sided with the utility.
This spring, it was made public that BNSF and KJRY are negotiating a new deal which would have KJRY lease or purchase the Farmington - Dunfermline segment so they could serve Riverland BioFuels, Hitchcock Scrap Yard, Spoon River Blacktop and Farmington Recycling. The deal, like the previous one, is subject to STB approval, but with no opposition could be approved rather quickly. One would think a deal would happen soon as Riverland BioFuels is planning to start
Fortunately, KJRY’s fight to get the TP&W’s West End succeeded and Canton actually has a railroad. At least the control points for the old BNSF connection are still in place. The curve has been removed, but that can be restored rather quickly. The ethanol company could go to the STB and seek some kind of directed service order if BNSF and KJRY have not come to terms by then. The others have no rail access at this time, but desire it.
I have always wondered for along time why. Thank you for answering this. I have loved trains & watching them for a long time ever since I was a kid. We lived 4 houses down from the tp&w line & I would rush out to0 watch them go by. Now that I have moved on the north edge of town near the old bnsf line I wish that line was open to relive some of the joy trains give to me. Plus it would help the economy a little.
Maybe if the Interstate 336 would pass through north of canton. The interstate would attract business thus attract new blood for the railline.
My dad said along time ago if they really wanted to tear the tracks out they would of done it by now & one day they may serve a use. Again lets hope.
I remember riding in a station wagon as a little girl in 1983 or 84 with dad driving next to the bnsf tracks next to a train. The engineer waved.
Welcome to the forum. I actually had written up a much more extensive email the other night but either the website timed out on me or I press the wrong button [#oops]
Anyway, in the late 1970’s, the Yates City - Vermont line had some pretty decent business. In fact, I’ve been told that the Galesburg - Paducah, KY line (which included a St. Louis branch) was so busy at that time Burlington Northern operated a pair of daily merchandise trains via Yates City, Canton and Vermont. Local service was provided by two daily roadswitchers based at Yates City that went on duty at 0700 and 1900 hrs. Operations would change though.
Decline set in as the industry left. Consolidation Coal Co. closed its Norris Mine in 1980. International Harvester closed in late 1983 and Freeman United Mining Co. closed its Buckheart Mine in 1984. Hitchcock Scrap Yard operated a salvage yard at the old mine, scrapping old locomotives and probably freight cars. A couple of small customers at Farmington - John Balagna & Sons (coal) and Illinois Salvage Co. - and the interchange with the TP&W (Santa Fe after 1983) at Canton kept a tri-weekly Galesburg - Ipava local train called #13813 operating for a few more years. Eventually, all but the Farmington business dried up and Galesburg - Peoria local #13814 began making a side trip to work these two customers. That ended by 1989 when the railroad placed the Yates City - Canton line up for abandonment (which BN withdrew upon learning of the Spoon Ridge Landfill project).
At least the south end of the line saw regular traffic until very recently. In fact, BNSF operated a special train up this portion in April 2007 to handle a large piece of equipment for the ethanol plant then under construction.
I know the south end by Dunfermline to the north had train cars parked for the lonest time in 2007. Farmington a few years ago had some stored as well as yates city. The track that switched off from tp&w(now KJR) to the south BNSF line in Canton has been torn out. The t crossing has been taken out so if they ever used that line again not only they would have to use that but clear out lots of brush & fix some of the rail as near the harvestor people dumped a big pile a dirt on it. A long time ago was alot of trash on it like a couch,ect. Plus some of the track sunk into the dirt.
I find it sad that all these businesses dwindled & theline was ditched liked that. These areas have been fighting economy wise for years but still the remaining buisnesses should have that option. If BNSF doesnt want it give it to KJR. Although not sure they can afford all the repairs & replacements to the tracks.
Pity in 1961 they quit using passenger trains here. Im sure people would use them today. Hell,Id buy a ticket just to enjoy a trip on one. Then again Canton is not on a good location & probably not fair too well.
This county used to be a booming industry for railroads,they had the Narrow Gauge that ran from West Havana to Galesburg & both lines through Canton. Im just amazed how in a little over 100 years how the economy can make such a drastic change.
Oh,Keokuk Junction Railway has these really old looking engines. Black & yellow & red & grey with a bear on it. I think that one came from Canada or something if I can find a picture & see if anyone knows the years. It looks like the 1950’s or 60’s. Very old units.
KJRY has work cut out for itself if and when it can acquire the Farmington - Dunfermline line from BNSF. As owner, however, they can and will enforce their rights to clear the property and restore it to operational status.
The ethanol plant and coal mine should help Canton’s economy. A shortline railroad willing to develop new business and the construction of Rt. 336 should also give Canton a bright future. You can’t rely on retail, restaurants and gas stations for prosperity. Gotta have some real economic development. Hopefully, Canton can attract some distribution business as well.
CB&Q’s No. 47-48 ran between St. Paul, MN and St. Louis and via Yates City and Canton probably due to the greater on-line population. Interestingly, Galesburg - Peoria motor train service had been dropped in 1960, but with Nos. 47 and 48 running another year, they ended up being the Galesburg - Peoria line’s last passenger service.
Two of those units they bought from Canadian National in 2003 - 1750 and 1752, were repainted into a black and yellow scheme and lettered for the PEORIA & WESTERN RAILWAY, though that is just a marketing name at this time. They’re used on the local train which makes two roundtrips weekly through Canton. You wouldn’t believe the tourism they’ve generated. Since it’s so uncommon to have passenger F-units handle freight trains in the 21st century, railfans from all over the Midwest, and elsewhere have made it a point to visit this interesting little shortline.
The other F-units are supposed to be at Keokuk for repainting and mechanical work, and will be leased to a tourist train operation.
Bad thing about Canton right now is the local politicians (mayors since the 80’s). None of them have been trying to lure in new business without taxing them to death. Like several places seemed intrested in the old International Harvestor spot but the city demanded (I cant remember the exact number) alot of money yearly that discouraged them plus I think the new businesses would have to clean up the harvestor area which rightfully should be the cities responsability. If we could get the right people in office who would take pride in this community we might be able to salvage what used to be an industrial & booming town.
Ive been saying for years a new foundry should be put in the IH plant to attract more rail service plus give people jobs that people in this town need instead of driving 30-60 miles for a job that pays over minamum wage.
Theres an industrial park out by the prison built in 80’s or 90’s & the city never done anything with it. Theres run down trialors & cluttered trash & a little pizza making place. This town has so much potential but is being run into the ground by the wrong people elected.
The ethanol plant closed for a while now i think it reopened and theres talks of a strip mine going near Banner thats about all really around here.
As for the tourist & the trains Ive seen people take pictures when they had the units parked at the side line in Canton. IT’s not suprising. THe train is a part of history & dare i say it for an old unit looks pretty awesome.
