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Railroad
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Valuation Section(s)
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South/West Terminal
North/East Terminal
Description
Former MILW line between Wells and Mankato.
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<p>In 1869, a route would be surveyed between Mankato, Minnesota and the Iowa border by the Southern Minnesota Railroad. Construction on the route would begin in 1870, but would cease due to lack of funds in 1871. In 1874, work resumed and 40 miles would be completed to Wells, Minnesota. The company was purchased by the Southern Minnesota Railway in 1879, which was in turn purchased by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway in 1880. Known as the Milwaukee Road, the railroad was beginning to amass a large collection of lines throughout Minnesota. </p><p>The Milwaukee Road operated this route as a secondary route, connecting cities and other lines in Southern Minnesota to Mankato. 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. As the Milwaukee Road continued to face financial turmoil, branch lines began to see deteriorated conditions. By 1980, the Milwaukee Road was looking to reduce its trackage, and it abandoned this line between Minnesota Lake and Mankato. Groups sought to purchase the route for trail use, which was partially successful. Portions of the line would be converted to the Red Jacket Trail, while others would be abandoned and revert to adjacent landowners. By 1985, a suitor for the Milwaukee Road was being sought, and the Soo Line Railroad, controlled by Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) purchased the Milwaukee Road in 1986. In 2023, CP merged with Kansas City Southern Railway to form CPKC, the current operator of the Wells to Minnesota Lake segment. <br></p><p><br></p>
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