Fenelon Place Elevator facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fenelon Place Elevator |
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|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Owner | Fenelon Place Elevator Company |
| Locale | Dubuque, Iowa |
| Coordinates | 42°29′47″N 90°40′09″W / 42.49645°N 90.66905°W |
| Termini | Hilltop |
| Stations | 2 |
| Service | |
| Type | Commuter rail |
| Operator(s) | City of Dubuque |
| Daily ridership | N/A |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 296 feet (90 m) |
| Character | Commuter rail line |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
The Fenelon Place Elevator is a special kind of railway in Dubuque, Iowa. It's called a funicular, which means it uses a cable to pull cars up and down a steep hill. It's also known as the Fourth Street Elevator.
Many people say it's the shortest and steepest railway in the world. It's a very old and important part of Dubuque's history. This unique elevator was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
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History of the Fenelon Place Elevator
The very first version of this elevator was built in 1882. It was made for a local banker, J.K. Graves, to use privately. He wanted an easy way to get from his home on top of the hill to his bank downtown.
In 1884, the elevator opened to the public. People could ride it for just 5 cents! Over the years, there were a few fires. Because of this, the current elevator was built in 1893. This new version used the same cable car technology we see today.
Where to Find the Elevator
The Fenelon Place Elevator has two stations. The top station is located at 512 Fenelon Place. The bottom station is at the western end of Fourth Street.
At the top, there are two observation decks. These decks give you an amazing view of downtown Dubuque. You can even see parts of three different states from here: Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin! It's a great spot for taking photos.
How the Fenelon Place Elevator Works
This funicular railway is about 296 feet (90 meters) long. It goes up a very steep hill at a 41-degree angle. The total height it climbs is about 189 feet (58 meters).
There are two cars on the elevator. They start at opposite ends of the track. As one car goes up, the other car comes down. They pass each other right in the middle of the track.
The two cars help balance each other out. An engine at the top of the hill provides the power. This engine mostly needs to overcome the weight of the passengers and any rubbing (friction).
The Fourth Street Elevator operates for most of the year. You can ride it from April 1 to November 30. It's open every day from 8 AM to 10 PM.
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