This branch line would be completed by 1872. The line stretched through some of the most difficult terrain Central Missouri had to offer. This included the massive Auxvasse Valley and the massive bluffs approaching the Missouri River. The railroad would be leased and controlled by the Chicago & Alton Railroad.
By 1931, the Chicago & Alton was reorganized as the Alton Railroad, a subsidiary of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. In 1947, it would again change hands. This time, the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad took over the former C&A System.
However, in 1933; the railroad would abandon the line from Fulton to Cedar City. This reduced the line to a branch to Fulton.
In 1972, the GM&O would merge with Illinois Central to become Illinois Central Gulf. This line would eventually be spun off in 1987 to the Chicago, Missouri & Western Railway.
By 1990, it became a part of Gateway Western and in 1997, it transferred hands again to the current owner, Kansas City Southern. Presently, it is operated as a minor branch line to Fulton.
06/26/21
This elegant through truss bridge crosses Stinson Creek in Fulton.
Originally built in 1878 to cross Sni-A-Bar Creek at Grain Valley, Missouri; the bridge was moved here in 1902 when a new bridge was constructed at Grain Valley.
According to various reports, the bridge was built by Kellogg Brothers, also known as the Kellogg Bridge Company. This company went out of business in 1881, although they also built another C&A bridge, which now serves as an overpass at Delevan, Illinois.
At the current location, the bridge consists of an 11-panel pin connected Pratt Through Truss. It is unknown how much this bridge was altered when it was moved, although the joists and stringers seem to be typical for a truss of this era. The bridge rests on stone, concrete and timber substructures, and is approached by trestle spans on the north end.
A rehabilitation occurred in 1944, although it is unknown what this may have involved. In 2006, the bridge was converted to trail use.
Fortunately, the bridge is wonderfully preserved and in good condition. It is hoped that the bridge will remain for years to come.
The author has ranked this bridge as highly significant. This is the oldest known remaining railroad truss in the State of Missouri. This bridge should be continued to be preserved at all costs.
The photo above is looking north across the bridge. Unfortunately, summer foliage made getting good photos of this bridge nearly impossible. The author strives to get back to this bridge as soon as possible for additional coverage.