From Valentine, the route continued west along a due-west trajectory. Near Chadron, Nebraska, the route turned north, heading into South Dakota.
By 1886, the route would reach Rapid City from the south. At a point near Chadron, another route continued west towards Casper, Wyoming. When opened, the junction point became known as "Dakota Junction".
In 1887, the railroad continued north out of Rapid City, reaching Whitewood, approximately 36 miles away.
In 1890, the route would be extended again, reaching Belle Fourche.
By 1903, the FE&MV would be purchased by the Chicago & North Western. In 1906, a connection would be made to the rest of the Chicago & North Western system via Pierre, connecting this route to the mainlines of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Eventually, the route was continued west a short distance to some Bentonite Mines near Colony, Wyoming.
Because of the nature of this line, it was profitable to the C&NW. However, a number of branch lines and spurs which came off of this route were less fortunate, and later abandoned.
By 1986, the C&NW was reorganizing and consolidating traffic. The route from Dakota Junction to Colony, Wyoming was sold to the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad in 1986.
DM&E operated this route and was largely successful doing it. In 2008, Canadian Pacific Railway acquired the DM&E, and operated it as a subsidiary.
By 2014, CP had no interest in any line west of Tracy, Minnesota. In turn, the route was sold to the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad.
Currently, the RCP&E operates this line as a mainline.
06/26/21
This small I-Beam Bridge crosses Deadmans Gulch in Sturgis.
Built in 1979, the bridge was built in response to a channelizing of Vanocker Creek. It replaced a simple trestle span.
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition.
The author has ranked the bridge as having minimal significance, due to the new age.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge is easily accessed from nearby roads.