Belleville station (Illinois Central Railroad) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Belleville Illinois Central Railroad Depot
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Belleville Illinois Central Railroad Depot
Location	109 S. Park St. Belleville, Wisconsin
Built	1887-1888
Architectural style	Italianate
NRHP reference No.	16000831
Added to NRHP	December 6, 2016

The Belleville station is a historic train station found in Belleville, Wisconsin. A train station, also called a depot, is a building where trains stop to pick up or drop off passengers and freight. This old building has been around for a long time and has seen many changes over the years.

The Station's Story

Building a Train Hub

The Belleville station was built between 1887 and 1888. It was made for the Illinois Central Railroad company. Back then, trains were a main way to travel and move goods across the country. This depot was very important for the town of Belleville. It handled both passenger trains, which carried people, and freight trains, which carried items like crops or supplies.

From Trains to Trails

The station was a busy spot for many years. However, as cars and trucks became more common, fewer people rode trains. The Belleville station stopped serving passenger trains in 1931. A few years later, in 1943, it also stopped handling freight trains. After that, the building was used for storing grain for several decades.

Today, the old train tracks that the depot once served have been turned into something new. They are now part of the Badger State Trail. This trail is a path for walking, biking, and other outdoor activities. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources bought the old rail line to create this trail. The Belleville station has become an important landmark along the Badger State Trail. It reminds people of the area's railroad history.

Becoming a Historic Landmark

In 2016, the Belleville station was recognized as a very important historical building. It was added to both the State and the National Register of Historic Places. When a building is on these lists, it means it has special historical or architectural value. It helps protect the building so future generations can learn from it. The station is officially known as the Belleville Illinois Central Railroad Depot on these registers.