From the Rails to Our Roots: A Cultural Journey to Chicago
Fort Madison is proud to be the oldest Mexican community in Iowa, and this past weekend, we had the opportunity to experience that heritage in a whole new way.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, a group of nine local delegates departed from Galesburg aboard Amtrak, making our way to Chicago for a day centered around culture, history, and connection. Our group included representatives from City Hall, Mexican Fiesta, The Village, the North Lee County Historical Society, and other community partners and friends—all coming together with a shared interest in preserving and promoting our local heritage.
Departing from Galesburg, IL
Our trip began in Galesburg as we boarded Amtrak’s Illinois Zephyr.
We didn’t take the Southwest Chief out of Fort Madison because it was just a day trip and we needed as many hours in Chicago as possible to tour. But we still highly recommend riding to Chicago from the Fort Madison station!
A TASTE OF HISTORY
We arrived just in time for lunch in Little Village and headed to 5 Rabanitos Restaurante & Taqueria, a highly recommended local favorite. From the moment the food hit the table, we knew we were in the right place—fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and dishes that reflect generations of tradition. It was the perfect welcome into the neighborhood.
Delicious Taco Trio
Homemade tortillas, fresh made guacamole, and 3 tasty tacos; al pastor, barbacoa and chorizo!
Exploring “Rieles y Raíces”
Our next stop was the National Museum of Mexican Art, where we experienced the powerful exhibit Rieles y Raíces. This exhibit tells the story of traqueros—Mexican railroad workers who laid and maintained track across the country. Many of these workers settled in towns like Fort Madison, shaping the very foundation of our community.
Ismael Cuevas & Alejandro Benavides
What made this visit even more meaningful was a personalized tour from curators Ismael Cuevas and Alejandro Benavides. Their insight brought the exhibit to life, connecting national history to our local story.
The American Dream
They also generously gifted us a sign and book for the North Lee County Historical Society’s upcoming traquero exhibit—an exciting addition as we continue to tell this story back home.
Walking Through Culture
We then took to the streets of Little Village, guided through one of the largest Latino communities in the United States. We experienced a mix of culture, commerce, and community along 26th Street, which is the second strongest shopping area in Chicago, with Michigan Avenue being the first.
A huge thank you to Choose Chicago’s Greeter Jim. Jim gave us a lot of history about Chicago and Little Village. He even arranged our last stop to be at a speakeasy.
Colorful storefronts, the sounds of music, and the energy of the neighborhood made it clear: this is more than a shopping district—it’s a living, breathing cultural hub. We stepped inside local shops, learned about the area’s deep roots, and saw firsthand how traditions continue to thrive.
A huge thank you to the Little Village Chamber of Commerce for greeting us and taking our picture under their famous arch.
ENDING THE DAY TOGETHER
We wrapped up our day the same way many great days end—with good conversation and a toast to shared experiences. Tucked away in true Chicago fashion, we found ourselves in a cozy speakeasy, reflecting on everything we had learned and experienced together.
This trip wasn’t just a visit—it was a meaningful step in reconnecting with the history that helped shape Fort Madison. From the rails that brought the traqueros here to the culture that continues today, our story is one worth celebrating and sharing. We will now begin working on our own Fort Madison Traquero exhibit and will let everyone know when it’s ready for viewing!
Be sure to explore the links from our trip and learn even more about Fort Madison’s Mexican here.
