Crossroads of the Nation Turns 150

This+train+can+be+found+in+front+of+City+Hall+and+is+only+one+of+the+15+placed+around+Wentzville.

Izzy Smithey

This train can be found in front of City Hall and is only one of the 15 placed around Wentzville.

Izzy Smithey, Reporter

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Wentzville thanks to the Crossroads Art Council who partnered with the City of Wentzville there have been nine train statues set around town in front of stores and companies who have purchased a statue. The trains can be seen all around Wentzville.

The railroad construction pushed through Wentzville during the year 1856 and the first train arrived in 1857. The construction and building of the line were under the supervision of Mr. Erasmus Livingston Wentz of New York State. Mr. Wentz assisted Mr. Allen, the founder, in surveying the present town’s lots and streets and so Mr. Allen honored his good friend Mr. Wentz by naming the town after him.

Registered as a village since 1855, the community became the “Town of Wentzville” in 1872, and was incorporated as a fourth-class city in 1903. The current government is composed of an elected Mayor and six aldermen, with an appointed city administrator.

Today, Wentzville has a population of about 29,070. Residents are lucky to live in such a  quiet pleasant peaceful community, rich in history and identity.  

Keep your eyes out for the trains located at the following locations:

  • Wentzville City Hall
  • Shelter Insurance
  • Stacy’s Gymnastics
  • Friendship Brewing Company
  • Cochran Engineering
  • Wolff Electrical Services
  • Haight Insurance Agency/State Farm Insurance
  • Wentzville Community Historical Society (WCHS)
  • SERVPRO of Western O’Fallon/Wentzville