On Tuesday, July 11, 1905, a three-car passenger train chartered by noted charlatan and showman Walter “Death Valley” Scott passed through Joliet, Illinois at 11:02 a.m. en route to Chicago. Crowds lined the tracks to see the train charge through town. The train finally came to a stop in Chicago, having made the run of 2,265 miles from Los Angeles in 44 hours and 54 minutes!

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of “The Scott Special,” the Blackhawk Chapter produced an exhibit displayed during the July and August of 2005 at the Joliet Area Historical Museum incorporating historical accounts, promotional items and a model of “The Scott Special” as it approached Joliet at Santa Fe's Lorenzo station. Books and maps rounded out the exhibit and railroad-related activities for both adults and children were held in July and August to accompany this exhibit.

Special thanks to Bill's Englewood Station Hobby Shop in Orland Park, Illinois for the materials used in this display.