- 1836: Galena and Chicago Union Railroad charted between Chicago and Galena, Illinois
- 1849: 11 miles completed from West Chicago to Elgin, Illinois by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad
- 1852: 52 miles completed from Elgin to Rockford, Illinois by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad
- 1853: 28 miles completed from Rockford to Freeport, Illinois by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad
- 1864: G&CU consolidated with the Chicago & North Western Railway
- 1972: Winnebago to Freeport segment abandoned
- 1981: Rockford to Winnebago segment abandoned
- 1980s: Rockford to Freeport segment purchased by Commonwealth Edison
- 1995: Chicago & North Western purchased by Union Pacific Railroad
- 1995-Present: Union Pacific operates the Belvidere Subdivision from West Chicago to Rockford
- 2010-Present: Pecatonica Prairie Path gradually developed on Rockford to Freeport segment
06/16/22
Located west of Winnebago, this small stone arch bridge crosses Coolidge Creek.
While bridge records indicate an estimated date of 1887, it is likely that this structure is much older. It is known that several stone arch culverts were constructed between 1854 and the 1870s along this route. This span is constructed with stone similar to the 1850s substructures of a bridge in Rockford.
Fortunately, this bridge has been reused for a trail. A nearby arch was demolished and replaced by a precast concrete box culvert.
Little alterations have been made to the arch. The southwest wing wall was encased in concrete, and mortaring of joints has occurred throughout the bridge.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with little significant deterioration. It currently serves the Pecatonica Prairie Trail.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design and unknown history.
The photo above is an overview.
In addition, a small concrete box culvert exists on the north side of the stone arch. This culvert was built around 1904 for the Rockford & Interurban Railway.
The culvert is now abandoned and privately owned. The creek has cut off flow underneath the culvert, and will inevitably collapse the structure.