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Federal Land Grant trackage

Posted by Anonymous

on Tue, Mar 1 2005 8:29 AM

Of all the trackage built in the USA, what percentage was built under the Federal Land Grant? I've heard 8%.

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Posted by ndbprr

on Wed, Mar 2 2005 12:08 PM

If I am not mistaken the only railroads built with land grants are the UP and WP through promontory point. Other than that everything was private enterprise. Depenedent on how many miles of track are in use will determine the percentage that represents. I know that since railroad mileage has been dropping since the 1940's it represents a higher percentage now then then.

Posted by DSchmitt

on Wed, Mar 2 2005 1:21 PM

Some basic info on this site

http://www.coxrail.com/land-grants.htm

Here is a map showing areas where land grants applied.

http://memory.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/riseind/railroad/grants.html

I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.

I don't have a leg to stand on.