In connecting with the mainline heading west, it also connected to Fort Riley; creating an important connection between military outposts.
In 1869, the Eastern Division was sold to the Kansas Pacific Railway, who extended the line further west into Colorado. This small branch line continued operations, through towns such as Tonganoxie.
By 1880, the line became a part of the Union Pacific Railway; which was reorganized as the Union Pacific Railroad in 1898.
When Union Pacific began using the Missouri Pacific line between Kansas City and Leavenworth; this line became unnecessary and was abandoned in 1977.
Today, a small stub of the line remains at Lawrence; and is known as the Union Pacific Lawrence Industrial Lead.
06/26/21
This simple through girder bridge crosses Mud Creek just outside of Lawrence, Kansas.
The bridge here consists of a single, 70 foot through girder bridge. This span is approached by trestle approaches on either side. It rests on wooden substructures.
In addition, the bridge still has the abandoned tracks located on it. It likely hasn't seen a train in 20+ years.
The author has ranked this bridge as being minimally significant, due to the common nature of this bridge.
However, this should not detract from the fact that the bridge is still in great condition, and has a very good historical integrity.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge is located just off of E1675 Road.