5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Knox Hotel’s Railroad Past
The Knox Hotel has always been a railroad hotel. Separated from Princeton’s historic Amtrak depot by only a small park, the two landmarks have stood side-by-side for more than a century. Their histories are deeply connected—and together, they tell the story of how the railroad shaped Princeton into the community it is today.
Here are five fascinating things you may not know about the Knox Hotel’s railroad heritage.
1. The Knox Hotel Was Built Specifically to Serve Rail Travelers
When the railroad first arrived in Princeton in 1854, trains did not run at night, and the town lacked a convenient place for travelers to stay. The closest lodging—the American House—was several miles away, requiring a long horse-drawn carriage ride after a full day of travel.
Seeing an opportunity, William Knox built his hotel just a few hundred feet from the depot. Its purpose was simple: give passengers a place to rest without leaving the station area.
The arrival of the railroad also transformed Princeton’s layout. Businesses and activity expanded northward from the original Main Street, eventually linking the historic downtown with a new commercial district near the tracks. The Knox Hotel became a natural gateway between the two.
2. Early Guests Experienced Function Over Form
The Knox Hotel wasn’t built to be luxurious—it was built to be useful. Early rooms were modest and practical, designed for short stays between trains. The original hotel offered small, simple guest rooms, minimal trim and fixtures, communal bathrooms, and basic amenities meant for overnight rest.
When it opened, the hotel had 22 rooms, later expanding to 28 as the hotel and rail traffic grew.
(Our current restoration will create 13 fully updated rooms, including a number of double rooms and all with private bathrooms—a modern comfort the original guests would have envied!)
3. The 1893 World’s Fair Sparked a Major Renovation
The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago was one of the most important events of the 19th century—introducing the Ferris Wheel, popularizing the hotdog, and showcasing large-scale electric lighting.
Expecting visitors to travel back and forth by train and stay in Princeton, William Knox invested heavily to renovate the hotel ahead of the fair–including fresh paint and wallpaper, updated plumbing, new fixtures and furnishings, and more.
These improvements positioned the Knox Hotel as a comfortable home base for fairgoers traveling the rail line between Princeton and Chicago.
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4. The Hotel Overlooks a Park Dedicated to a Railroad President
The small park beside the Knox Hotel—Rotary Park, also known as Darius Miller Park—is named for Darius Miller, a Princeton native who became president of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad from 1902 to 1914.
After Miller’s death, the CB&Q donated land to the City of Princeton in his honor. Much of that land became the park you see today—meaning the space between the Knox Hotel and the depot is itself a tribute to Princeton’s railroad legacy.
5. Princeton’s 1911 Depot Still Serves Passengers Today
Under Darius Miller’s leadership, the current Princeton depot was built in 1911, replacing earlier wooden structures. Remarkably, the building still serves travelers today and remains one of the busiest small-town Amtrak stations in Illinois.
With multiple daily departures, Princeton has far more frequent passenger rail service than most towns of its size—continuing the tradition that began when William Knox opened his hotel for train travelers more than a century ago.
Plan Your Trip to Princeton by Train
Experience Princeton the same way travelers did in the hotel’s earliest days—by rail. Take Amtrak to the Princeton station, stroll across the park, and stay with us at the Knox Hotel to enjoy a perfect blend of history and comfort.
Book your Amtrak tickets and reserve your stay at the Knox Hotel today!