The Terminal Railroad’s history actually began well before the founding date of July 30, 1889.  The Company’s numerous predecessor companies date back to 1797 when the first river ferry was established in the region by Captain James Piggott.  Captain Piggott was granted a license to operate a ferry between the Post of St. Louis and Illinoistown (later East St. Louis) when the area was still known as Upper Louisiana, a Spanish colony.  The ferry-boat he used was a simple platform floating on hollowed-out tree trunks which was poled, or paddled, with long sweeps.  Captain Piggott and his heirs operated the ferry until 1819 when the business was acquired by Mr. Samuel Wiggins.

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