The Story of the Illinois Central Depot
& Buchanan County Tourism
Look at What $1.00 Will Buy!
Buchanan County Tourism Bureau continues to provide visitor information services at the Depot and to market the county's attractions and amenities to all Iowans and beyond. Informational monthly meetings are held at towns throughout the county, open to anyone who would like to attend.
Holidays at the Depot, a fundraising event sponsored by Buchanan County Tourism, is held on weekends from mid-November through early December. Volunteers from the eleven Buchanan County towns decorate small trees, wreaths, and specialty items to be entered into a silent auction, open to the public. All are invited to see the innovative designs, place bids, have a cookie with a cup of hot cider, and get in the holiday spirit at this annual celebration.
- The Buchanan County Tourism Bureau was formed in 1992. The bureau purchased the Illinois Central Depot and Baggage building from the railroad company in 1994 for one dollar with the agreement that it would be moved to a new location. In 1996, the two buildings were transported to their new site at 111 5th Ave. NE, Independence,a painstaking process.
- In 2000, a memorial brick walk was installed at the Depot to honor veterans of the railroad, military, school classmates, and the many volunteers and friends of the Depot.
- In 2002, a fully-functioning 1940 model rail car seated on rails was donated. The Illinois Central Railroad Company originally used the car for track inspection. Another addition was the installation of a crossing sign and horse-drawn fireman's hose cart. The cart was pulled by eight men, and was manufactured in the early 1900s. A collection of Illinois Central Railroad memorabilia is displayed inside the Depot.
- On the west side of the Depot sits a 1926 90-ton steam engine and a 45-ton tender (coal car). The 1978 32-ton caboose received a new look in 2015. A local boy scout received his Eagle Scout award for redoing the inside of the caboose.
- The baggage building is open for visitors during the summer season and includes a display of tools used by railroad workers.
Buchanan County Tourism Bureau continues to provide visitor information services at the Depot and to market the county's attractions and amenities to all Iowans and beyond. Informational monthly meetings are held at towns throughout the county, open to anyone who would like to attend.
Holidays at the Depot, a fundraising event sponsored by Buchanan County Tourism, is held on weekends from mid-November through early December. Volunteers from the eleven Buchanan County towns decorate small trees, wreaths, and specialty items to be entered into a silent auction, open to the public. All are invited to see the innovative designs, place bids, have a cookie with a cup of hot cider, and get in the holiday spirit at this annual celebration.
