MATTOON (WCIA) — The Mattoon Public Library has installed a hidden gem in their basement.
It’s a new exhibit focusing on the history of what’s called “The Million-Dollar Dig.” It’s also known as “The Big Dig.”
Part of the industrial project happened in Mattoon in 1914. It lowered the Illinois Central Railroad tracks so trains from the four big cities could cross through: Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
Curator Chris Suerdieck said it’s an important piece of Central Illinois history.
“[We put up the exhibit to show] what a mammoth project it was and to also reinforce the fact the project that was done 110 years ago is still in use today,” he said. “And like I commented earlier, a lot of people just take it for granted. Those tracks were always there.”
The overall project took construction crews three years to complete.
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