Illinois Central Railroad stock certificate 1963 (Illinois) orange 100-shares

IL major railroad! Very nice vignette of two classical male figures flanking a framed picture of two trains (diesel and steam). Issued and cancelled. Dated 1963. Measures approximately 12 x 8 inches. 

This listing is for the ORANGE version (100 shares). See other listing for BROWN version, 

The Illinois Central Railroad (IC) was a pivotal U.S. railroad founded in 1851, known as the "Main Line of Mid-America," connecting the Great Lakes (Chicago) to the Gulf of Mexico (New Orleans) and opening the Midwest to settlement, eventually becoming part of the Canadian National Railway (CN) in 1999 after mergers and financial restructuring, leaving a legacy in transportation, town-building, and even Abraham Lincoln's early career.

Charter & Purpose:
Chartered in 1851, it was the first railroad to receive federal land grants, aiming to connect Illinois's agricultural heartland from Cairo to Galena and beyond, fostering settlement and trade.

Expansion:
It grew to span much of the Midwest, reaching New Orleans by 1882 and connecting to cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Omaha, and Sioux City.

Mergers & Acquisition:
Merged with the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad (GM&O) in 1972 to form the Illinois Central Gulf (ICG), and was fully acquired by Canadian National Railway (CN) in 1999, becoming a part of its network.

Holding Company:
In the 1960s, it formed Illinois Central Industries to diversify into non-rail assets, a move that eventually led to the sale of its railroad assets.

Legacy:
Instrumental in developing the Midwest, it electrified Chicago suburban lines and saw Abraham Lincoln serve as its legal counsel.

Product descriptions and images
Please note that some pictures may only be representative of the inventory available.  If we have more than one piece, we are unable to scan and display every piece.  Unless otherwise noted, that there are variations for signatures, cancellation marks/holes, serial number, and dates.  Colors will be as noted and pictured.