Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BLACKHAWK ROUTE
BLACKHAWK ROUTE. Between 1974 and 1981, Amtrack ran the "Blackhawk" route between Chicago and Dubuque. Along the 182 miles route on tracks of the ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD, the train stopped in Elmhurst, Rockford, Freeport, Warren, Galena and East Dubuque.
The Blackhawk Route used self-propelled Budd Company rail diesel cars (RDCs) from 1974 through 1978. These cars were replaced with EMD F 40PH diesel locomotives until 1981 when the route was permanently ended.