Where in the greater Midwest was this photo taken? (SOLVED)

This was taken along a double-track high-density main line, Class 1 Railroad. There is a crossover within about 500 feet. Town is named after an American Indian Princess in a county named after an Indian tribe. Hint: Don’t let your eyes fool your brain. Where am I?

More clues later – if needed.

Pocahontas, Iowa?

Nope. Pocahontas has no rail service.

Clue: the official historical society of the previous operator railroad has its museum in the old depot, just south of the crossover. The shortline railroad that crosses over at grade level was for a time owned by Santa Fe.

Is it in Iowa?

Watseka, Illinois.

No, not Iowa. But the biggest attraction in the area is a “paranormal” house where in the 1870s a girl’s body was suposedly possessed for months by the spirit of a dead neighbor, another young girl. And one of the worst passenger train wrecks in history took place on the shortline, near a town about 25 miles away.

DING DING DING! WELL PLAYED!

How did you know?

Just got out the trusty old atlas and started browsing, concentrating on Illinois since that’s where you’re located. Spotted Iroquois County on the eastern edge of the state, with the town of Watseka smack-dab in the middle- did some research on the town’s name and thought, “That has to be it.” Seemed like a good location for a busy double-track main, but wasn’t so sure of that.

How about Mopiea in Peoria County.

Too late and wrong answer. I just followed the ATSF into Peoria County.

Actually, that Alco sitting there gave it away for me–we’ve been through there within the past year.

I’ve never stayed there long enough to watch trains.

A nit to pick, though, PZ: That’s a crossing where the two railroads cross. A crossover might be there, too, but that would be just a way to get from one of the C&EI tracks to the other.

Whoops! My mistake. Typing too fast while not thinking, I guess. Good catch.

The story I heard was that the owner of the elevator bought the locomotive from the Erie Mining Company – for what exactly, I don’t know. I believe it has been sitting there for quite awhile. Anyone know if it is in use?

Anyhoo, I just thought that locomotive would confuse people as to the location. You guys are too smart!