Illinois Central Depot
Iowa Falls, Iowa
Located on historic Rocksylvania Avenue

Listed on National Register of Historic Places

Constructed 1904
Refurbished 2003-2004

The present Illinois Central Depot replaced an earlier two story wooden depot built in 1866.

The current depot was born in controversy. There was some desire to make a union station in place of one depot serving only its own line. Mr. Ira Nichols, publisher and editor of the Citizen newspaper was particularly vehement in wanting a union station. However, it did not come to pass, and the Illinois Central determined to build its own depot where the present one now stands.

The Illinois Central wanted to build a wooden depot. Mr. Eugene Ellsworth, major community booster, objected to this plan. He canvassed many other Iowa towns, and he concluded the station in Iowa Falls should be made of brick. The Illinois Central apparently agreed with Ellsworth and constructed the building we have now.

Mr. Nichols, however, kept the controversy going. He did not like the new depot, and he was not shy about venting his views. He did not like the looks of the depot or anything about it. With vehemence he called the depot a "mud turtle depot."

So far as we are aware, no one ever asked him to explain exactly what he meant. Perhaps it was the unusual roof lines that caused him to describe it in reptilian terms.

Whatever the reasons going back 100 years, we are proud of our depot and pleased with its looks. The controversy only makes the depot more valuable.

For an appointment call ...
641-648-5900 or 641-648-2849