Completed in 1871, the route was a continuation of Chicago & North Western lines reaching from Omaha.
In 1879, another 64 miles would be constructed between Winser and Neligh, completed in 1880.
An additional 152 miles between Neligh and Valentine would be constructed between 1881 and 1883. These final 152 miles included several large and expensive trestles.
In 1908, the Chicago & North Western Railway took complete control of the FE&MV. The line had previously been extended into South Dakota and Wyoming.
C&NW largely operated this as a branch line. Known as the Cowboy Line, it crossed through the heart of Americas Great Plains.
Due to the branch line status, it was eventually abandoned. The first segment abandoned was from Norfolk to Hooper, in 1982.
In 1992, everything west of Norfolk would be abandoned, as far as Chadron. After C&NW was purchased by Union Pacific, the Fremont-Hooper segment would be abandoned.
Today, this route is part of the popular Cowboy Trail west of Norfolk. East of Norfolk, the railroad remains abandoned.
06/26/21
This standard through girder bridge crosses Maple Creek north of Nickerson.
Built in 1924, the bridge contains a single through girder span, with trestle approaches.
The bridge is believed to currently be owned by Union Pacific, the successor of the C&NW. However, this has not yet been proven.
Resting entirely on wooden substructures, this bridge remains in fair condition.
The author ranks this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview of the bridge