The Chicago Aurora and Elgin (CA&E) was in operation from 1899 to 1963.

Check out the images below and then go to Great Third Rail for history on the CA&E.

In the name of progress many electric railways were torn up. Though a thing of the past, they were probably ahead of their time. Electric energy is supposedly cleaner that diesel and these routes would not have the delay we do today due to frieght train interference. Conversion of these routes to bike paths and hiking trails is nice, but the towns once served by electric trains like the CA&E might be better served if this form of transportation remained.

\