The Illinois Traction System was established in the early 20th Century and consisted of about 550 miles of heavy railroad-grade interurban track extending from St. Louis, MO to Peoria and Springfield, IL. Promoted as 'The Road of Good Service', the ITS operated both extensive freight and passenger routes including one of the few interurban sleeping cars between Peoria and St. Louis. Stressing safety through the use of block signals and cleanliness with no soot, dirt, dust, or smoke, the ITS continued operations until the mid-thirties when, after bankruptcy, it was re-organized as the Illinois Terminal Railroad.
For more information on the ITS, Click here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illinois_Terminal_Railroad
