The Toledo, Peoria &
Western (TP&W) Railway has made a big impact on Illinois and
railroading for over 150 years. Originally chartered in 1849 as the
Peoria & Oquawka, the TP&W provided an important bypass for
trains to avoid the often congested rail network in Chicago. Train
wrecks on the TP&W over the years resulted in improved and safer
technology that is still in use today nationally. Conflicts between the
railroad's management and employees led to the creation and development
of national railroad labor unions. On a local level, the TP&W served
many local businesses and made an effort to establish positive
relationships with communities that it passed through. At one time,
Toledo, Peoria & Western was a name known in virtually every
household in the area. The TP&W is still operating today and serves
many businesses along its route, including grain elevators and
factories, and interchanges freight cars with other railroads in the
area for transportation around the country.
