Catharine, formerly known as Burgess Junction, is an unincorporated community in Serena Township, LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. Catharine is located along County Route 2, 2 miles (3.2 km) west of Sheridan.[2] Burgess Junction was named for a Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad attorney. Its name was changed to Catharine in 1968 by the CB&Q at the request of Ellis Waller who proposed to Catharine (Katie) Bentley there on May 23, 1968 during a fund raising railroad excursion that Ellis had arranged.

Catharine, Illinois
Catharine is located in Illinois
Catharine
Catharine
Catharine is located in the United States
Catharine
Catharine
Coordinates: 41°31′23″N 88°43′09″W / 41.52306°N 88.71917°W / 41.52306; -88.71917
CountryUnited States
StateIllinois
CountyLaSalle
TownshipSerena
Elevation
643 ft (196 m)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code(s)815 & 779
GNIS feature ID405700[1]

Ellis asked the railroad to rename Burgess in honor of Catharine and the railroad agreed. A surprise reception was held on a CB&Q private car in Union Station where Catharine was presented with the metal sign that would be erected at the junction.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Catharine". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ LaSalle County General Highway Map (PDF) (Map). Illinois Department of Transportation. 2009. Retrieved July 27, 2012.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ Fuller, Stephanie (August 9, 1968). "Benefit Rides Lead to Trip to the Altar". Chicago Tribune. p. 2:10. Retrieved November 12, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.