The Story of the Illinois Central Depot
​& Buchanan County Tourism

Arrival of the Railroad

History of the ICRR Depot

ICRR Depot Restoration

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• The Buchanan County Tourism Bureau (BCTB)     was formed in 1992. BCTB 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 display of  Illinois Central Railroad memorabilia was placed inside the Depot. 
• The Depot also acquired a 1926 90-ton steam engine and a 45-ton tender (coal car) and a 1978 32-ton caboose   that now sit    on the west side of the property. A local boy scout received his Eagle Scout award for redoing the inside of the caboose in 2015. ​

Buchanan County Tourism Bureau continues to provide visitor information services at the ICRR Depot and to market the county's attractions and amenities to all Iowans and beyond. Informational bi-monthly meetings are held at towns throughout the county and are open to anyone who would like to attend.