Erie into Chicago

[NKP1155]

Where did the Erie track end as it approached Chicago? What route did the passenger trains take into the city? Did the CHicago & Atlantic and Erie use the same depot through the years?

[jr]

Erie used the Chicago and Western Indiana track to get into Chicago. The change from Erie RR tracks occurred around the Indiana / Illinois border.

Erie passenger trains terminated at Dearborn Station on Polk Street. The station still stands, but the train shed and tracks are long-gone. The station is currently used as a sort of mall, with shops and offices.

I'm not familiar with the Chicago and Atlantic.

JR

[ExCon90]

According to Wikipedia (yes, I know, but this seems accurate), the Chicago & Atlantic (Marion to Hammond) went through bankruptcy and emerged in 1890 as the Chicago & Erie. It connected with the Chicago & Western Indiana at State Line tower (Hammond), operated through service with the Erie from 1882, and was acquired by the Erie in 1895. Dearborn Station opened in 1885, so it appears that the Erie used that station from then on. Wiki doesn't know (nor do I) what station was used from 1882 to '85, but it seems likely that they had some sort of interim operation on the same site. The June 1893 Official Guide shows Erie trains (Chicago & Atlantic appeared just under Erie at the top of the pages) using Dearborn Station.