Many long-time Western Spring residents claim there’s a locomotive buried near Spring Rock Park. So, what’s the true story?

1880’s era train at Stone Avenue Station

In 1957, construction began on the Tri-State Tollway. Since much of the area directly west of Western Springs was marshy wetlands, there was considerable excavation work required before a railroad bridge could be built to handle the numerous trains that would pass over the new tollway. According to reports from that era, bulldozer operators were told to be on the lookout for a steam locomotive that was believed to be buried somewhere in the mud. While no train was ever found in the course of the construction, many believe that such an artifact is still buried just west of the village.

As background, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad built its Chicago to Aurora line between 1862 and 1865. By most accounts, the project’s biggest challenge was traversing the swampy area between present-day Western Springs and Hinsdale. In fact, a huge portion of the construction budget was devoted to creating a stable roadbed that would not wash away when spring rains would turn Flagg Creek into a small river.

According to some accounts, in the 1890’s a wood-burning engine, like the one shown above, passed through Western Springs headed for Hinsdale. Pulling two cars and a caboose, the little train went across what was the only solid land west of the village. Supposedly, the roadbed gave way. The engine then overturned and became mired in the swampy bog. Due to heavy rains and the surrounding water, railroad crews were unable to get the engine back on the tracks. So, the railroad reportedly salvaged whatever parts they could and then allowed the little engine to sink into a “muddy grave.” Other accounts suggest that the engine was lost much earlier during the initial railroad construction in the 1860’s. In fact, while Burlington officials have claimed that they have no record of the lost engine, they reportedly once stated that “… it was a work train that overturned when heavy rains had shifted the roadbed.”

While the tollway contractors never did find any sign of the old engine, some long-time residents insist that the remains are still there. Hopefully, one of them will come forward with more details on exactly where the “little lost train” is buried.  Until then, the legend lives on.