On the east end, the line had to cross through the most difficult terrain in the state, often requiring following and crossing the Root River, as well as following valleys and hills. However, once past Spring Valley, the grading would become much easier.
By 1878, the line was extended from Winnebago to Flandreau, South Dakota, an additional 138 miles.
The following year, the line would reach into Sioux Falls. At the same time, in 1880, the Southern Minnesota Railroad would be purchased by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway.
The railroad changed its name to the Chicago, Milwaukee St. Paul & Pacific Railway in 1928.
The Milwaukee Road was often times a poor railroad, and this accelerated its demise.
A major 100 mile section would be abandoned in 1980 from La Crescent to Ramsey, where it met another Milwaukee Road Mainline.
In addition, the portion west of Jackson to Sioux Falls would be abandoned the same year.
While typical abandonments include property either sitting with the railroad, or being reverted to landowners, this segment was different.
The portion from Ramsey to Dexter was kept in public hands, and from Dexter to Money Creek Woods was kept as a trail.
The Milwaukee Road was purchased by the Soo Line in 1985. Soo Line in turn sold this line to Iowa, Chicago & Eastern in 1997.
IC&E eventually came part of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern, who in turn merged with Canadian Pacific in 2008. CP currently operates the line between Ramsey and Jackson.
02/25/23
This beautiful bridge crosses the S. Branch Root River near Old Barn Resort in rural Fillmore County.
Built in 1882 at Bridge #Z-312 (Rock River; Byron, Illinois), this bridge is one of four spans known to have been reused when that bridge was replaced in 1905. Other spans continue to exist at Fayette, Iowa and Downsville, Wisconsin. A fourth span was sent to Good Thunder, Minnesota; prior to being replaced by the current bridge. The current disposition of that span is unknown, but it has likely been scrapped.
When the bridge was moved here, it was shortened by removing the skewed end. It is believed that this span was one of the end spans of the Byron Bridge.
Relocation was a common technique used to save money for railroads. Other bridges on this division have showed to be some extremely unique trusses, with approximately 10 built in Fillmore and Houston Counties.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Recent repairs should preserve the bridge for years to come.
The author has ranked the bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | MILW Root River Bridge |
| Downstream | Root River Trail Bridge #2 |