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<p>In 1851, the Pacific Railroad of Missouri (PRM) began construction of a railroad line extending from St. Louis, Missouri to Pacific, Missouri. This would be completed in 1853. Development of railroads was often slow during the 1850s, dependent on financing. In 1856, the same railroad continued building southwest to Sullivan, which would be completed in 1858. The railroad continued building southwest in 1859, reaching Cuba, Missouri by the end of 1859 and Rolla, Missouri in 1860. Construction came to a halt during the Civil War, and the Pacific to Rolla line of the Pacific Railroad of Missouri changed its name to the Southwest Pacific Railroad, and continued building to Arlington, Missouri. Due to financial troubles, the railroad was acquired by the State of Missouri in 1867. In 1868, the railroad would be deeded to the South Pacific Railroad, who continued to build southwest to Huban, Missouri. By 1870, the railroad would reach Pierce City, Missouri. The railroad became a part of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad in 1870, and became part of the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway (Frisco) in 1876. The Frisco used Missouri Pacific Railroad trackage between St. Louis and Pacific. The Frisco constructed a line to Valley Park in 1882, and completed the line to St. Louis in 1883. Portions of the line required deep cuts, large fills and tunnels, due to the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri. The Frisco had developed an extensive network of railroad lines in the south central United States. This line provided a critical connection for the Frisco, allowing traffic from St. Louis to head straight south along the Mississippi River. The Frisco would build and acquire a respectable railroad network in the south central United States, with significant connections through Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. The Frisco was merged into the Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) in 1980. BN merged with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in 1996 to form BNSF Railway. BNSF currently operates the Cuba Subdivision between St. Louis and Springfield. The route continues to serve as a mainline for BNSF.<br></p>
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