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<p>In 1872, the Chicago, Dubuque and Minnesota Railroad (CD&M) constructed a short 15-mile branch line, extending from Turkey River Junction, Iowa to Garber, Iowa. In 1877, the CD&M was sold to the Dubuque and Minnesota Railroad (D&M), which changed its name to the Chicago, Clinton, Dubuque and Minnesota Railroad (CCD&M) in early 1878. The same year, the CCD&M completed an additional 30 miles of railroad, extending from Garber to Wadena, Iowa. In 1880, the CCD&M was purchased by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway (Milwaukee Road). The Milwaukee Road completed an additional 13 miles to West Union, Iowa in 1882.</p><p>By the late 19th Century, the Milwaukee Road had developed a large railroad network throughout the Midwest. This line was one of several branch lines constructed to connect towns in northeast Iowa to the the mainline along the Mississippi River. The Milwaukee Road was often in financial trouble, especially after the costly Pacific Extension was completed in 1909. In 1925, the company declared bankruptcy, and reorganized as the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in 1928. In 1938, the Milwaukee Road abandoned the entire branch line, as it was no longer profitable. Today, the entire line has reverted to adjacent property owners. Some short segments have been reused as township roads, and much of the original right-of-way is still visible.</p>
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