Veterans Memorial Park
At the entrance of Hudson’s Veterans Memorial Park sits the only remaining original stone from the viaduct constructed by the Illinois Central Railroad through Hudson in 1853. This stone has a plaque marking its history. The viaduct was originally constructed with large blocks of Wisconsin limestone used as ballasts on the boats traveling on the Illinois River.
In 1854, the Illinois Central Railroad ran through Hudson hauling goods and transporting passengers. Passenger service ended in 1939 and the depot was closed in 1966. The tracks were removed in 1984 and the viaduct demolished in 1987.