Roodhouse, Illinois

was laid out and named in 1866, for John Roodhouse. In 1871, when the Louisiana branch of the Chicago and Alton Railroad was planned, a group of enterprising spirits conceived the idea of Roodhouse as a railroad junction. It was accepted by railroad officials and thus Roodhouse became a railroad center of the middle west.
On the ten acres secured, a large depot was built by the company deemed the "handsomest depot between Chicago and Kansas City," as well as a round house and repair shop. Other enterprises were nearby coal mines, a brick kiln, a foundry and the first location of the world famous Eli Bridge Ferris Wheel Factory.
In 1876, Roodhouse had one of the largest and busiest eating establishments housed in Illinois to accommodate all trains stopping for lunch. The 1893 plat shows Roodhouse Driving Park & Fair Association at the southeast edge of town. Roodhouse Envelope factory started in 1912 and continues in operation as RECO.

		Roodhouse, Illinois was laid out and named in 1866, for John Roodhouse. In 1871, when the Louisiana branch of the Chicago and Alton Railroad was planned, a group of enterprising spirits conceived the idea of Roodhouse as a railroad junction. It was accepted by railroad officials and thus Roodhouse became a railroad center of the middle west. On the ten acres secured, a large depot was built by the company deemed the "handsomest depot between Chicago and Kansas City," as well as a round house and repair shop. Other enterprises were nearby coal mines, a brick kiln, a foundry and the first location of the world famous Eli Bridge Ferris Wheel Factory. In 1876, Roodhouse had one of the largest and busiest eating establishments housed in Illinois to accommodate all trains stopping for lunch. The 1893 plat shows Roodhouse Driving Park & Fair Association at the southeast edge of town. Roodhouse Envelope factory started in 1912 and continues in operation as RECO.	The Park on the Square