May 12, 2025 -The History of the Heartland has commissioned a limited-edition elongated coin commemorating the Wabash in Decatur.
The Great Western Railroad reached Decatur from the west in 1855, connecting to Springfield and Jacksonville. In 1865 it became the Toledo & Wabash, and then in 1877 the Wabash Railroad. In 1905, the railroad moved their main shops to the city, creating thousands of jobs. Wabash remained the largest employer in Decatur for the first half of the 20th Century. In 1964, the Wabash was consolidated into the Norfolk & Western. Today, Norfolk Southern continues to operate major car and locomotive facilities in the city.
Coins will be given away to the first 20 attendees at various Historic Preservation Week events. The coins are FREE courtesy of the History of the Heartland organization. Historic Preservation Week is May 12-May 18. Locations will be announced on the History of the Heartland Facebook page.
The coin features an image of an iconic Wabash Diesel Engine. This is the fourth of an annual series of limited-edition commemorative coins to be pressed for Historic Preservation Week. The first coin featured the Walrus Manufacturing building, the second was an image of the Staley Pump House and last year was Fans Field.
