Today, BNSF Railway is the second largest employer in the region, with over 1,100 employees.

Region’s railroad history helps bring National Railroad Hall of Fame — and hundreds of jobs

Illinois is arguably the most important state in this nation’s rail system, with more than 50,000 current rail employees and retirees, the largest rail hub in the country in Chicago, and a second major rail hub in the metro east/St. Louis region.  Illinois is also the only state with all seven Class I freight rail companies operating within its borders.  Railroads have played a critical role in economic development and job creation throughout the state, including in Galesburg, which has been a major beneficiary of rail.

Throughout its history, Galesburg has been strongly tied to the railroad industry.  In 1850, several local businessmen were major backers of the first railroad to connect to Illinois’ two biggest cities, Chicago and Quincy.  The first locomotive rolled into town by 1854.   Soon, the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad sited major rail sorting yards here, including the first to use hump switching.  Today, Galesburg is home to BNSF Railway, the second largest employer in the region, with more than 1,100 employees.  The rail industry continues to support other local businesses such as Westcode, ADM, and Koppers, creating additional jobs for the region.

The railroad plays a major role in the economic landscape of this community of 33,000.  In 2010, Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Phil Hare, and State Representative Don Moffitt spearheaded state and federal grants totaling $88.5 million to provide three grade separations, a third rail, and other improvements to the BNSF yards.  Like the railroad, Galesburg is a strong and solid community that understands the importance that rail plays in economic recovery and stability.  City leaders, manufacturers, and local citizens continue to benefit from the residual impact of the rail industry.

Because of the importance rail has played in its history, Galesburg has been named as the future home of the National Railroad Hall of Fame.  According to a study prepared by Economic Research Associates of Los Angeles, the Hall of Fame will create 421 construction-related jobs and 68 full-time equivalent jobs for the area.  Also, it is estimated that 167,000 people per year will visit the Hall of Fame.