Illinois Terminal. This is the new name of the MTD's transit center. The name from Intermodal Transportation Center to something that the history of transportation in the Champaign-Urbana area.

The new name isn't really so new. Illinois Terminal with public transportation locally until 1956. It was the company name for the Interurban rail service which from Danville to St. Louis and Peoria. It also was the company that a local trolley system until 1936.

The history of the Illinois Terminal and public transportation in C-U back even further than the name. In 1863 a group of businessmen to connect Urbana to the Illinois Central Railroad in Champaign. They the Urbana Railway Company. It with horse or mule drawn trolleys.

In 1890 William B. McKinley, founder of the Illinois Power Company, the creation of an electrified trolley system in Champaign. It is worth noting that over 100 years ago Champaign was already on the "cutting edge" of transportation technology. The electrified trolley system just 2 years after Frank Sprague the electric railroad in Richmond, Virginia.

At its peak, the trolley system service all over Champaign and Urbana. There were as many as 20 routes operating, including "Owl Service" which the cities through the night. There was also a trolley that passengers to what as West End Park (now Eisner Park). The amusement park carnival rides, including a roller coaster which along what is now Russell Street. There was also a casino, theater and refreshment booths. Admission to the park was free for anyone who to it on the trolley.

McKinley was also responsible for creating the Illinois Terminal Interurban system. Initially, he a small railroad to supply coal from the Georgetown and Ridgefarm areas to his electric power plant in Danville. He also transportation for his employees. Before long he fare paying passengers. McKinley the Terminal Railroad and his Interurban Service across the state.

The Interurbans intercity transportation until 1956. Traces of the system still are a part of the Illinois landscape. Many communities still have the booster stations. They enough electricity running through the over head power lines to keep the trains running. Many of the stations also as depots. The old "roadbeds" in many places, such as East of Urbana along the Conrail right of way. Frequently, when road work in Champaign-Urbana, the rails which are still under the streets, .

Since the Interurban through many of the communities in the area, McKinley to sell electricity from the rail system to the towns. This was the beginning of the Illinois Power Company.

The Illinois Terminal was responsible for much of the growth of our Community. It is only fitting that it be remembered by naming the center piece of local transportation after it.

Ann Salzmann
Intensive English Institute
University of Illinois