I became interested in Iowa's railroad network 20 years ago, while reading the April 1986 issue of Trains magazine. This special issue was dedicated to the Hawkeye State, and is still one of my favorites. (And may have the first mention of "Regional Railroads" in Trains.) The decision to start the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha resulted in seven railroads building lines from Chicago to Council Bluffs. From the north these were the Chicago Great Western, the Illinois Central, the Chicago and North Western, the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific, the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy and the Wabash. Excellent soil and a good climate results in some of the best farmland in the world, especially around Waterloo and Fort Dodge. The branchline network to serve these farms put Iowa's rail mileage over 10,000, giving it 4th place in the United States.More on the history of Iowa's railroads can be found at this website. Early Iowa Railmaps 1948MapAll of Iowa's 99 Counties had rail service until 1980. Since then half of the network has been abandoned, and now 9 Counties do not have rail service. Jones County (62) lost service during 1980 when the Milwaukee Road pulled out, followed by Van BurenCounty (94) later during 1980 which had a Burlington Northern branch. Next came Decatur County (82) during 1981 when Burlington Northern abandoned another line. The Chicago and North Western pulled up a former CGW line in 1984 through Taylor (76) and Ringgold (79) Counties, and the Milwaukee Road abandoned their line through Howard County (24) also during 1984. Grundy County (52) lost their C&NW (former CGW) route during the late 1980s. During the 1990s Audubon (39) (IAIS) and Davis (91) (NS) Counties lost rail service. Five of the nine rail-less Counties border Missouri. Current rail network PDF map Iowa's DOT has an excellent website. This is a look at each of Iowa's 99 Counties, with a list of railroads operating in them today, and in 1985, and in 1930. Iowa's Railroads, 2006- Class 1 Railroads- BNSF Railway has 675 miles of track in Iowa and serves 29 Counties, all on former Burlington Northern. Lee County is also served by former ATSF track. Canadian National has 605 miles of track and serves 24 Counties, on former Illinois Central trackage. Norfolk Southern has 144 miles of former N&W track and haulage rights on BNSF through 9 Counties. Union Pacific serves 48 Counties with 1,495 miles of original UP and former Chicago and North Western trackage. Regionals- Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern has 25 miles of trackage rights in 2 Counties. Iowa Interstate operates 362 miles of former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific in 15 Counties. Iowa, Chicago and Eastern own 619 miles of former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific track in 26 Counties. Shortlines- Cedar Rapids and Iowa City has 60 miles of track in 4 Counties. D&I Railroad runs on 41 miles of former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific through 4 Counties. D&W Railroad owns a former C&NW line in Black Hawk, Buchanan and Fayette Counties which is operated by the Iowa Northern. Iowa Northern Railway operates on 191 miles of former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific and Chicago and North Western track in 10 Counties. Iowa Northwestern Railroad uses 27 miles of former Chicago and North Western (CRI&P) in Dickinson and Emmet County. Iowa River Railroad have 34 miles of the former Minneapolis and St. Louis in Hardin and Marshall counties. Iowa Traction Railroad uses 10 miles of line in Cerro Gordo County. Keokuk Junction Railway has 2 miles of former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific in Lee County. Switching and Terminal Railroads- Appanoose County Community RR operates 36 miles of former Norfolk and Western, former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific and former Burlington Northern in Monroe and Appanoose Counties. Boone and Scenic Valley runs freight service on 2 miles of former Chicago and North Western track in Burlington Junction Railway uses 7 miles of former Burlington Northern track, some of it previously part of the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific, in Henry and Des Moines Counties. Cargill Eddyville has a 5 mile line in Monroe County. CBEC Railway is in Pottawattamie County. Council Bluffs Railway, also known as the Great Western Railway of Iowa, operates in Pottawattamie County. Passenger- Amtrak-California Zephyr operates on BNSF through 11 Counties. -Southwest Chief operates on BNSF through Lee County. Boone and Scenic Valley runs 10 miles of former Chicago and North Western in Boone County. A list of railroads during 1985, and 1930, follows the 99 Counties. To try to keep neighboring Counties together, I have the covered the northern three rows first, from west to east, followed by the central three rows and the southern 3 rows. This alphabetical index has the numerical order I used. Adair is the 77th on my list.Iowa Counties Map Adair 77............................Floyd 22............................Monona 32 Adams 75..........................Franklin 20.........................Monroe 87 Allamakee 29......................Fremont 71........................Montgomery 72 Appanoose 88....................Greene 41..........................Muscatine 68 Audubon 39.......................Grundy 52..........................O'Brien 5 Benton 56.........................Guthrie 42..........................Osceola 4 Black Hawk 55....................Hamilton 46........................Page 73 Boone 44...........................Hancock 16........................Palo Alto 11 Bremer 26..........................Hardin 49...........................Plymouth 3 Buchanan 58......................Harrison 33.........................Pocahontas 12 Buena Vista 9.....................Henry 96............................Polk 48 Butler 23...........................Howard 24..........................Pottawattamie 69 Calhoun 40.........................Humboldt 14.......................Poweshiek 54 Carroll 38...........................Ida 34...............................Ringgold 79 Cass 74.............................Iowa 57.............................Sac 37 Cedar 63...........................Jackson 65.........................Scott 67 Cerro Gordo 19...................Jasper 51...........................Shelby 36 Cherokee 6........................Jefferson 93........................Sioux 2 Chickasaw 25.....................Johnson 60.........................Story 47 Clarke 81...........................Jones 62............................Tama 53 Clay 8................................Keokuk 92.........................Taylor 76 Clayton 30..........................Kossuth 13........................Union 78 Clinton 66...........................Lee 99.............................Van Buren 94 Crawford 35........................Linn 59.............................Wapello 90 Dallas 45............................Louisa 97..........................Warren 83 Davis 91.............................Lucas 84..........................Washington 95 Decatur 82..........................Lyon 1.............................Wayne 85 Delaware 61........................Madison 80.......................Webster 43 Des Moines 98.....................Mahaska 89.......................Winnebago 15 Dickinson 7.........................Marion 86..........................Winneshiek 27 Dubuque 64........................Marshall 50........................Woodbury 31 Emmet 10...........................Mills 70.............................Worth 18 Fayette 28..........................Mitchell 21........................Wright 17
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1-Lyon, County Seat Rock Rapids WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) D&I Railroad (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Great Northern and former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) D&I Railroad (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha (C&NW) Great Northern Illinois Central. 2-Sioux, County Seat Orange City WikiMapia Wikipedia Union Pacific runs through Alton (Photos) on a former C&NW line. 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) D&I Railroad (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Great Northern and former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha) D&I Railroad (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha (C&NW) Great Northern Illinois Central. 3-Plymouth, County Seat Le Mars WikiMapia Wikipedia BNSF (former GN) and Canadian National (former IC) run north through James (Photo), Hinton (Photo), Wren (Photo) and Merrill (Photos). Union Pacific (former C&NW) has rights on the CN line through these towns to Le Mars (Photo) where they gain their own trackage. 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) D&I Railroad (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Great Northern and former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha) Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. D&I Railroad (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha (C&NW) Great Northern Illinois Central. 4-Osceola, County Seat Sibley WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa Northwestern Railroad (former Chicago and North Western) (up for abandonment) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former CRI&P and CSPM&O) 1930- Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha (C&NW). 5-O'Brien, County Seat Primghar WikiMapia Wikipedia Sheldon (Photo) is at the end of an IC&E line (former CMSP&P) and is also served by Union Pacific. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha (C&NW) Illinois Central. 6-Cherokee, County Seat Cherokee WikiMapia Wikipedia Canadian National operates through Cherokee (Photo) on a line to Sioux City. 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) 1985- Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Illinois Central. 7-Dickinson, County seat Spirit Lake GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Lake Park (Photos) is served by the Iowa Northwestern on a former Rock Island line. The rest of the line heading west to Allendorf is up for abandonment. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa Northwestern Railroad (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 8-Clay, County seat Spencer GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 9-Buena Vista, County seat Storm Lake GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CMSP&P and CRI&P) Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Minneapolis and St. Louis
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10-Emmet, County seat Estherville GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Union Pacific operates the lines in Estherville (Photo). 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 11-Palo Alto, County seat Emmetsburg GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former CRI&P and M&STL) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 12-Pocahontas, County seat Pocahontas GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CRI&P and M&STL) Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Minneapolis and St. Louis. 13-Kossuth, County seat Algona GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former C&NW and former CRI&P) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 14-Humboldt, County seat Dakota City GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former C&NW and former CRI&P and M&STL) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 15-Winnebago, County seat Forest City GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The former CRI&P line to Thompson (Photo) was abandoned by the C&NW during 1985. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CRI&P) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 16-Hancock, County seat Garner GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former CRI&P and M&STL) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 17-Wright, County seat Clarion GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Union Pacific serves Belmond (Photo), Eagle Grove (Photos) and Dows (Photos)on former C&NW trackage. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CGW, CRI&P and M&STL) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 18-Worth, County seat Northwood GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (trackage rights) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Iowa Northern Railway (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CRI&P and M&STL) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Iowa Northern Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 19-Cerro Gordo, County seat Mason City GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Iowa Terminal runs between Mason City (Photos) and Clear Lake (Photo), parallelto an IC&E line through Emery (Photos). Union Pacific's branch to Rockwell (Photos) was part of a M&STL line. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (trackage rights) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Iowa Northern Railway (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Iowa Traction Railroad 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CGW, CRI&P and M&STL) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Iowa Northern Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Iowa Terminal Railroad (former Mason City and Clear Lake Railroad) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis Mason City and Clear Lake Railroad. 20-Franklin, County seat Hampton GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Union Pacific travels through Hampton (Photo) on the former Rock Island Spine Line. The CRI&P and the M&STL had north-south routes through Hampton while the CGW passed through on a east-west line. 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former CGW, CRI&P and M&STL) Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Minneapolis and St. Louis. 21-Mitchell, County seat Osage GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central, previously Cedar Valley) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Cedar Valley Railroad (former Illinois Central Gulf) 1930- Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Illinois Central. 22-Floyd, County seat Charles City GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Charles City (Photos) is served by Canadian National and the IC&E, while the Iowa Northern cuts through Rockford (Photos). 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central, previously Cedar Valley) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Iowa Northern Railway (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Cedar Valley Railroad (former Illinois Central Gulf) Iowa Northern Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Iowa Terminal Railroad (former Charles City Western Railway) 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Charles City Western Railway. 23-Butler, County seat Allison GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Iowa Northern Railway (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Chicago Great Western) Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. Iowa Northern Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central
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24-Howard, County seat Cresco GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Howard County lost its rails when the CMSP&P abandoned their line through Cresco (Photos) during 1984. 2007- No longer has rail service. 1985- No longer had rail service. 1930- Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific. 25-Chickasaw, County seat New Hampton GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Nashua (Photos) is located along a Canadian National line and New Hampton (Photo) is on the IC&E. 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central, previously Cedar Valley) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Cedar Valley Railroad (former Illinois Central Gulf) 1930- Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Illinois Central. 26-Bremer, County seat Waverly GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The former Illinois Central line through Waverly (Photos) is now owned by CN. 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central, previously Cedar Valley) Iowa Northern Railway (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Chicago Great Western) Cedar Valley Railroad (former Illinois Central Gulf) Iowa Northern Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Northern Railway. 27-Winneshiek, County seat Decorah GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Iowa, Chicago and Eastern has the former Milwaukee Road line through Calmar (Photos). 2007- Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 28-Fayette, County seat West Union GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Oelwein (Photos) was the heart of the Chicago Great Western, and is now served by the Iowa Northern. Website 2007- Iowa Northern Railway (former Chicago and North Western) D&W Railroad (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Chicago Great Western) 1930- Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 29-Allamakee, County seat Waukon GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The Iowa, Chicago and Eastern travels through Lansing (Photos) and New Albin (Photos) on a former Milwaukee Road line along the Mississippi River. Another IC&Eline cuts through Postville (Photo) on a route across the State. 2007- Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 30-Clayton, County seat Elkader GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The IC&E River line goes through Marquette (Photos), McGregor (Photos) and Guttenberg (Photo). 2007- Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific
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31-Woodbury, County seat Sioux City GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Sioux City (Photos) is served by BNSF, UP, CN and the D&I. To the south is the generating station at Sergeant Bluff (Photos). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) D&I Railroad (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Great Northern and former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Chicago and North Western Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. D&I Railroad (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha (C&NW) Great Northern Illinois Central. 32-Monona, County seat Onawa GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Illinois Central. 33-Harrison, County seat Logan GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Union Pacific and Canadian National have lines through Dunlap (Photos), Woodbine (Photos), Willett (Photos), Logan (Photos) and Missouri Valley (Photos). Union Pacific also runs through California Junction (Photos) and Little Sioux (Photos). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Chicago and North Western Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Illinois Central. 34-Ida, County seat Ida Grove GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) 1985- Chicago and North Western 1930- Chicago and North Western Illinois Central. 35-Crawford, County seat Denison GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Union Pacific's Transcon route runs through Westside (Photo), Vail (Photos) and Denison (Photos), where it meets up with Canadian National's line through Boyer (Photo) and Deloit (Photo). Together they continue through Arion (Photos), Dow City (Photos) and Haley (Photos). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Chicago and North Western Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Illinois Central. 36-Shelby, County seat Harlan GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Atlantic Northern. 37-Sac, County seat Sac City GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Wall Lake (Photos) and Odebolt (Photo) are on a CN branch that was a C&NW line. 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) 1985- Chicago and North Western Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Illinois Central. 38-Carroll, County seat Carroll GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The UP mainline passes through Arcadia (Photos), Carroll (Photos), Glidden (Photo) and Ralston (Photos). Templeton (Photos) is on a part of the Milwaukee Road's Omaha line now operated by BNSF. 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Chicago and North Western 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific. 39-Audubon, County seat Audubon GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Audubon County lost their rail service during 1995 when the Iowa Interstate stopped serving the town of Audubon. 2007- No longer has rail service. 1985- Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Atlantic Northern
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40-Calhoun, County seat Rockwell City GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Yetter (Photos) is located on CN's Omaha line. 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CGW) Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railway. 41-Greene, County seat Jefferson GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Scranton (Photos), Jefferson (Photo) and Grand Junction (Photos) are on the UP Transcon. Churdan (Photo) was on a Milwaukee Road line. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CMSP&P and M&STL) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railway. 42-Guthrie, County seat Guthrie Center GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Bayard (Photos) is the west end of a BNSF branch from Omaha, which had been part of the CMSP&P Omaha line. 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 43-Webster, County seat Fort Dodge GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Canadian National serves Fort Dodge (Photos) and Tara (Photos). UP serves both as well, along with Moorland (Photo), Gowrie (Photo) and Callander (Photo). 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former CGW and M&STL) Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Minneapolis and St. Louis Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railway. 44-Boone, County seat Boone GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Boone (Photos), Jordan (Photos), Ogden (Photos) and Beaver (Photo) are along the Union Pacific mainline, as is the Kate Shelly Bridge (Photos). 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Boone and Scenic Valley (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CMSP&P and M&STL) Boone and Scenic Valley (former Chicago and North Western, previously Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railway) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railway. 45-Dallas, County seat Adel GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Perry (Photos) was served until recently by Union Pacific. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former CMSP&P and M&STL) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis Des Moines and Central Iowa Railroad. 46-Hamilton, County seat Webster City GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Canadian National's former Illinois Central line passes through Webster City (Photos) and Williams (Photo). 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago and North Western Illinois Central. 47-Story, County seat Nevada GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Nevada (Photos) is a key point for Union Pacific, with the former C&NW heading west through Ames (Photos) and east through Colo (Photos) as well as the former CRI&P spine line which heads south through Cambridge (Photos) and north through McCallsburg. Gilbert(Photos) is on another UP line while Roland (Photo) has lost its service. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CMSP&P and CRI&P) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railway. 48-Polk, County seat Des Moines GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia From Des Moines (Photos) (Googlemap) lines spread out in several directions. The Iowa Interstate runs west through West Des Moines (Photos) and east through Altoona (Photo). Union Pacific's Spine line goes north through Elkhart (Photos) and Enterprise (Photo) while a branch heads northeast to Bondurant (Photo). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CRI&P and M&STL) Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western, previously Wabash) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Des Moines Union Railway 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis Wabash Des Moines Union Railway Des Moines and Central Iowa Railroad Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railway. 49-Hardin, County seat Eldora GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Canadian National serves Ackley (Photo), and Union Pacific serves Eldora (Photo) and Steamboat Rock (Photo). Abbott (Photo) has lost rail service. The M&STL ran through all 4 towns. 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa River Railroad (former M&STL) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CRI&P and M&STL) Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Minneapolis and St. Louis. 50-Marshall, County seat Marshalltown GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Union Pacific's former C&NW mainline runs through Marshalltown (Photos) (Photos) (Photos), State Center (Photos) and Le Grande (Photos). Another UP line through Marshalltown is former M&STL, and it goes north through Alboin (Photos) and south through Pickering (Photos) and Gilman (Photo). Melbourne (Photos) was at the crossing of CMSP&P and CGW lines. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa River Railroad (former M&STL) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CGW and M&STL) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 51-Jasper, County seat Newton GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The line through Newton (Photos) now is part of Iowa Interstate. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Minneapolis and St. Louis) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis Des Moines and Central Iowa Railroad. 52-Grundy, County seat Grundy Center GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Grundy County lost rail service during the late 1980s when the C&NW abandoned a former CGW line which passed through Reinbeck (Photos). 2007- No longer has rail service. 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CGW) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 53-Tama, County seat Toledo GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Union Pacific runs through Tama (Photos), where the C&NW and CMSP&P Omaha mainlines used to cross. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (original C&NW and former CGW) Iowa Northern Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Tama and Toledo. 54-Poweshiek, County seat Montezuma GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia In Grinnell (Photos), the IAIS mainline crosses a UP branch. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Minneapolis and St. Louis) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 55-Black Hawk, County seat Waterloo GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Canadian National and Iowa Northern operate through Waterloo (Photos) (Googlemap) and Cedar Falls (Photos). CN has a line into Minnesota through Janesville (Photos) and the IANR runs south through La Porte City (Photos). 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central, some previously Cedar Valley) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) D&W Railroad (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa Northern Railway (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific and Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Chicago Great Western) Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. Cedar Valley Railroad (former Illinois Central Gulf) Iowa Northern Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Northern Railway. 56-Benton, County seat Vinton GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The UP main goes through Belle Plaine (Photos), Blairstown (Photos) and Norway (Photos). Shellsburg (Photo) is along the Iowa Northern line. The Milwaukee Road line through Walford (Photos) is now owned by the CRandIC and also used by the Iowa Interstate. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Iowa Northern Railway (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Iowa Northern Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Northern Railway. 57-Iowa, County seat Marengo GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Iowa Interstate has their line running through Homestead (Photos) and Marengo (Photo). They have trackage rights on the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City through Amana (Photos) and East Amana (Photo) as well. 2007- Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (some former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific
Eastern------------------------------------------------------------------------
58-Buchanan, County seat Independence GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The former Illinois Central line through Independence (Photos) is now part ofCanadian National. 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) D&W Railroad (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa Northern Railway (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Chicago Great Western) Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Northern Railway. 59-Linn, County seat Cedar Rapids GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Cedar Rapids (Photos) (Googlemap) is served by several railroads, including Union Pacific, which also reaches Bertram (Photos), Lisbon (Photos) and Fairfax (Photos). Marion (Photos) recently lost their last line. 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa Interstate (trackage rights on CR&IC) Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Iowa Northern Railway (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (some former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Iowa Northern Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Northern Railway. 60-Johnson, County seat Iowa City GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The former Rock Island line across Iowa now operated by Iowa Interstate travels through Iowa City (Photos), Coralville (Photos) and Oxford (Photo). 2007- Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Cedar Rapids and Iowa City 1985- Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. 61-Delaware, County seat Manchester GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Manchester (Photos) and Masonville (Photos) are along Canadian National's former Illinois Central line, while an abandoned Milwaukee Road line went through Hopkinton (Photos) and Delhi (Photos). 2007- Canadian National (former Illinois Central) 1985- Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Illinois Central Manchester and Oneida. 62-Jones, County seat Anamosa GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Jones County lost rail service during 1980 when the Milwaukee Road abandoned over half of their lines, including one through Monticello (Photos). An abandoned C&NW line served Anamosa until 1950. 2007- No longer has rail service. 1985- No longer had rail service. 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific. 63-Cedar, County seat Tipton GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Clarence (Photos), Mechanicsville (Photos) and Lowden (Photos) are along the Union Pacific mainline. Durant (Photos) is on Iowa Interstate's line. 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 64-Dubuque, County seat Dubuque GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Canadian National crosses the Mississippi River into Dubuque (Photos) and thenheads west across Iowa through Peosta (Photos), Dyersville (Photos) and Farley (Photos). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. 1930- Chicago Great Western Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Illinois Central.
65-Jackson, County seat Maquoketa GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The Iowa, Chicago and Eastern former Milwaukee Road line along the Mississippi River runs through Bellevue (Photos), Pleasant Creek (Photo), Green Island (Photos) and Sabula (Photos). The Milwaukee Road had a narrow gauge line through La Motte (Photos). 2007- Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific. 66-Clinton, County seat Clinton GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The former Chicago and North Western line to Omaha crosses the Mississippi into Clinton (Photos) and then heads west through De Witt (Photos), Grand Mound (Photos) and Wheatland (Photos). The Iowa, Chicago and Eastern line runs south from Clinton through Camanche (Photo). 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Davenport, Rock Island and North Western Railway 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Davenport, Rock Island and North Western Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine. 67-Scott, County seat Davenport GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The Iowa side of the Quad Cities consists of Davenport (Photos) (Googlemap), East Davenport (Photos), West Davenport (Photos), Bettendorf (Photos), Nahant (Photos) and Riverdale (Photo). Iowa, Chicago and Eastern's lines head north through Pleasant Valley (Photos), Le Claire (Photos) and Princeton (Photo), and west through Buffalo (Photos). Iowa Interstate's line runs west through Walcott (Photos). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Davenport, Rock Island and Northwestern) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Davenport, Rock Island and North Western Railway 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Davenport, Rock Island and North Western Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine.
68-Muscatine, County seat Muscatine GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The Iowa, Chicago and Eastern runs alongside the Mississippi River through Muscatine (Photos) and Fairport (Photos), before heading across Iowa past Fruitland and the nearby Generating Station. Iowa Interstate's line runs through West Liberty (Photos), Moscow (Photo), Atalissa (Photo), Stockton (Photo) and Wilton (Photo) on the way to Omaha. 2007- Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine
Southwestern-------------------------------------------------------------------
69-Pottawattamie, County seat Council Bluffs GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The focus of Pottawattamie County is the Union Pacific's yards in Council Bluffs (Photos) (Googlemap). BNSF travels near Lake Manawa (Photos), by the MidAmerica Energy Plant. Union Pacific's former C&NW line heads north through Honey Creek (Photos) and Loveland (Photos), where it ducks under the CN (IC) line. 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Canadian National (former Illinois Central) Union Pacific (former Union Pacific and Chicago and North Western) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) CBEC Railway Council Bluffs Railway (Great Western Railway of Iowa) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy and former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Chicago and North Western Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. Union Pacific Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Colorado and Eastern Railroad (former Norfolk Southern, previously Wabash) Iowa Railroad 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago Great Western Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Illinois Central Union Pacific Wabash. 70-Mills, County seat Glenwood GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The BNSF mainline from Nebraska heads across Iowa from Pacific Junction (Photos) through Balfour, (Photo) Hastings (Photo) and Emerson (Photos) 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr does not stop in the County. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Colorado and Eastern Railroad (former Norfolk Southern, previously Wabash) Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Wabash Tabor and Northern. 71-Fremont, County seat Sidney GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia A BNSF line heading south to Kansas City passes through McPaul (Photo) and Hamburg (Photos). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Colorado and Eastern Railroad (former Norfolk Southern, previously Wabash) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Wabash. 72-Montgomery, County seat Red Oak GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia BNSF passes through Red Oak, (Photos) Stanton (Photos) and McPherson (Photo). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr does not stop in the County. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy. 73-Page, County seat Clarinda GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Colorado and Eastern Railroad (former Norfolk Southern, previously Wabash) Northern Missouri Railroad (former Norfolk Southern, previously Wabash) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Wabash. 74-Cass, County seat Atlantic GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The city of Atlantic (Photo) is served by the Iowa Interstate using the former Rock Island mainline across Iowa. 2007- Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Atlantic Northern. 75-Adams, County seat Corning GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr does not stop in the County. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy. 76-Taylor, County seat Bedford GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Taylor County lost rail service in 1984 after the Chicago and North Western abandoned the former Kansas City line of the Chicago Great Western which crossed into Missouri at Athelstan. 2007- No longer has rail service. 1985- No longer had rail service. 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago Great Western
Southern-------------------------------------------------------------------------
77-Adair, County seat Greenfield GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 78-Union, County seat Creston GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia BNSF runs through Creston (Photos). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr stops at Creston. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago Great Western. 79-Ringgold, County seat Mount Ayr GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The last railroad serving Ringgold County was the Chicago and North Western, using the former Chicago Great Western line to Kansas City through Benton until 1984. 2007- No longer has rail service. 1985- No longer had rail service. 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago Great Western. 80-Madison, County seat Winterset GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1985- Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 81-Clarke, County seat Osceola GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Osceola (Photos) is served by BNSF and Amtrak. 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr stops at Osceola. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy. 82-Decatur, County seat Leon GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Decatur became the third County without service when Burlington Northern abandoned their line through Leon, and the short branch to Lamoni, (Photos) during 1981. 2007- No longer has rail service. 1985- No longer had rail service. 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy. 83-Warren, County seat Indianola GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Union Pacific's Spine Line heading south from Des Moines runs through Carlisle (Photo). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago Great Western Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 84-Lucas, County seat Chariton GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia At Chariton (Photos) the Union Pacific former Rock Island Spine Line crosses theBNSF former CB&Q east-west mainline. 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr does not stop in the County. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 85-Wayne, County seat Corydon GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 86-Marion, County seat Knoxville GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Chicago and North Western (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western, previously Wabash) Iowa Interstate (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis Wabash. 87-Monroe, County seat Albia GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Amtrak, BNSF and Norfolk Southern pass through Albia (Photos). The C&NW also reached Albia until recently using a M&STL route. 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western) Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Appanoose County Community RR (former Norfolk and Western) Cargill Eddyville Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr does not stop in the County. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Chicago and North Western (former Minneapolis and St. Louis) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western, previously Wabash) Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis Wabash Southern Iowa Railway. 88-Appanoose, County seat Centerville GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Appanoose County Community RR (former Norfolk and Western, former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific and former Burlington Northern) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western, previously Wabash) Appanoose County Community Railroad (former CB&Q and CRI&P) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Wabash Southern Iowa Railway. 89-Mahaska, County seat Oskaloosa GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The M&STL line went through Oskaloosa (Photos) and Fremont (Photos). 2007- Union Pacific (former Chicago and North Western) 1985- Chicago and North Western (former Minneapolis and St. Louis) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 90-Wapello, County seat Ottumwa GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The mainlines of BNSF Railway and Iowa, Chicago and Eastern meet at Ottumwa (Photos) Just to the west is the Ottumwa Generating Station. 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Norfolk Southern (haulage rights on BNSF) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr stops at Ottumwa. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Colorado and Eastern Railroad (former Norfolk Southern, previously Wabash) Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Wabash. 91-Davis, County seat Bloomfield GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Davis County had rail service until the 1990s when Norfolk Southern switched to haulage rights on BNSF to reach Des Moines and abandoned their former Wabash line from Missouri. 2007- No longer has rail service. 1985- Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western, previously Wabash) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Wabash. 92-Keokuk, County seat Sigourney GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia 2007- Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Kewash Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago and North Western Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis
Southeastern--------------------------------------------------------------------
93-Jefferson, County seat Fairfield GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy line across Iowa passes through Fairfield (Photos) 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Norfolk Southern (haulage rights on BNSF) Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific) Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr does not stop in the County. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 94-Van Buren, County seat Keosauqua GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia Van Buren was the second Iowa County to lose rail service when the Chicago, Rock Island an Pacific shut down and the Burlington Northern abandoned their ex CB&Q line from Fort Madison to Stockport during 1980. 2007- No longer has rail service. 1985- No longer had rail service. 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 95-Washington, County seat Washington GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The ICE line in Washington County was owned by the Milwaukee Road until the end of 1985. East of the city of Washington to Muscatine the ICE uses a former CRI&P line.2007- Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former CMSP&P and CRI&P) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific (some former CRI&P) Kewash Railroad (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 96-Henry, County seat Mount Pleasant GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The BNSF mainline passes through Mount Pleasant (Photos). The abandoned M&SL line to Peoria went through Olds (Photo). 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Norfolk Southern (haulage rights on BNSF) Burlington Junction Railway (former Burlington Northern) Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr stops at Mount Pleasant. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Minneapolis and St. Louis. 97-Louisa, County seat Wapello GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The Iowa, Chicago and Eastern crosses the Iowa River at Columbus Junction (Photo) on a former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific line that was operated by the CMSP&P during the 1980s. 2007- Iowa, Chicago and Eastern (former CMSP&P, originally CRI&P) 1985- Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific (former CRI&P) 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Minneapolis and St. Louis. 98-Des Moines, County seat Burlington GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia BNSF's mainline between Chicago and Nebraska enters Iowa at Burlington (Photos) and heads west through West Burlington (Photos) and Danville. (Photos) 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern) Norfolk Southern (haulage rights on BNSF) Burlington Junction Railway (former Burlington Northern, previously Chicago Rock Island and Pacific) Amtrak-California Zephyr The California Zephyr stops at Burlington. 1985- Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Burlington Junction Railway (former Burlington Northern, previously Chicago Rock Island and Pacific) Amtrak-California Zephyr 1930- Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific. 99-Lee, County seat Fort Madison GoogleMap WikiMapia Wikipedia The BNSF Transcon (former ATSF) crosses the Mississippi River into Fort Madison (Photos) (More photos) and heads west through Argyle. (Photos) Another BNSFline (ex BN) from the north passes through Wever (Photo) and Fort Madison before following the river south to meet with the Keokuk Junction Railway in Keokuk. (Photos) 2007- BNSF Railway (former Burlington Northern and former ATSF) Norfolk Southern (haulage rights on BNSF) Keokuk Junction Railway (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific and former Toledo, Peoria and Western) Amtrak-Southwest Limited The Southwest Limited stops at Fort Madison. 1985- Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Burlington Northern (former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy) Keokuk Junction Railway (former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific) Amtrak-Southwest Limited 1930- Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Toledo, Peoria and Western Wabash. Iowa Railroads during 1985- Class 1s- Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe operated in Lee County. Burlington Northern operated former Chicago, Burlington and Quincy, former Great Northern and former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific in 29 Counties. Chicago and North Western operated in 56 Counties. (Includes original C&NW, and former CGW, CMSP&P, CRI&P, CSPM&O and M&STL) Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific operated in 26 Counties. Illinois Central Gulf (former Illinois Central) operated in 20 Counties. These lines became Chicago, Central and Pacific in December 1985. Norfolk Southern (former Norfolk and Western, previously Wabash) operated in 6 Counties. Union Pacific operated in Pottawattamie County. Regional Railroads- Chicago, Central and Pacific began operating former Illinois Central Gulf track in 11 Counties during December 1985. Iowa Interstate operated former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific track in 16 Counties. Shortlines- Appanoose County Community Railroad operated 12 miles of former CB&Q and CRI&P in Appanoose County. Burlington Junction Railway operated former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific track in Des Moines County. Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Railway operated 60 miles of track (some former CMSP&P) in 4 Counties. Cedar Valley Railroad operated former Illinois Central Gulf track in 5 Counties. Colorado and Eastern Railroad operated former Norfolk Southern, previously Wabash track in 5 Counties. D&I Railroad operated 41 miles of former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific through 4 Counties. Davenport, Rock Island and North Western Railway operated 37 miles in Clinton and Scott Counties. Des Moines Union Railway operated in Polk County. Iowa Railroad operated in Pottawattamie County. Iowa Northern Railroad operated 117 miles of former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific in 9 Counties. Iowa Terminal Railroad operated in Cerro Gordo County (former Mason City and Clear Lake Railroad) and in Floyd County (former Charles City Western Railway). Keokuk Junction Railway operated 5 miles of former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific in Lee County. Kewash Railroad operated 15 miles of former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific track in Keokuk and Washington County. Northern Missouri Railroad operated former Norfolk Southern, previously Wabash track in Page County. Passenger- Amtrak-California Zephyr operated on BNSF through 11 Counties. -Southwest Chief operated on BNSF through Lee County. Boone and Scenic Valley runs 10 miles of former Chicago and North Western in Boone County. Iowa Railroads during 1930- Class 1s- Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe operated 20 miles in Lee County. Chicago and North Western operated 1,734 miles in 50 Counties. Chicago, Burlington and Quincy operated 1,445 miles in 34 Counties. Chicago Great Western operated 776 miles in 30 Counties. Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific operated 1,915 miles in 55 Counties. Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific operated 2,251 miles in 67 Counties. Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha, part of the Chicago and North Western, operated in 6 Counties. Great Northern operated 78 miles in 4 Counties. Illinois Central operated 718 miles in 29 Counties. Minneapolis and St. Louis operated 877 miles in 31 Counties. Toledo, Peoria and Western operated into Lee County. Union Pacific operated 2 miles in Pottawattamie County. Wabash operated 209 miles in 11 Counties. Other Railroads- Atlantic Northern operated 17 miles in 3 Counties. Davenport, Rock Island and North Western operated 37 miles in Clinton and Scott Counties. Des Moines Union Railway operated in Polk County. Manchester and Oneida operated 8 miles in Delaware County. Tabor and Northern operated 9 miles in Mills County. Interurbans- Cedar Rapids and Iowa City operated 25 miles in Linn and Johnson Counties. Charles City Western Railway operated 21 miles in Floyd County. Clinton, Davenport and Muscatine operated in Clinton, Scott and Muscatine Counties. Des Moines and Central Iowa Railroad operated in Dallas, Polk and Jasper Counties. Fort Dodge, Des Moines and Southern Railway operated in 6 Counties. Mason City and Clear Lake Railroad operated 10 miles in Cerro Gordo County. Southern Iowa Railway operated in Monroe and Appanoose Counties. Tama and Toledo operated 4 miles in Tama County. Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Northern Railway operated in 5 Counties. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dale's Trackside Guides #1-Mississippi River CrossingsThis is a study of the Railroad crossings over the Mississippi River. #2-Amtrak's Current Routes A detailed accounting of which railroad owns every mile of track used by Amtrak.
#3-Class 1 Railroads in the 1950s A summary of the 127 class 1 railroads in 1950.
#4-The Milwaukee Road MainlinePoints of interest on the CMSP&P mainline from Chicago to Seattle and Portland.
#5-Montana Rail Link, I&MRL and IC&E Rosters
#6-GP30 Ownership A simple rundown of the dozens of owners of GP30 locomotives.
#7-Amtrak's Original Routes A look at the routes used by Amtrak on May 1st, 1971.
#8-Continental Divide Crossings A summary of the railroad crossings of the Continental Divide in North America
#9-Iowa's Counties A listing of the railroads operating in Iowa's 99 Counties today and in 1985 and 1930.
#10-America's Regional Railroads A look at the 62 current and former Regional Railroads in the United States
#11-AC Ownership Owners of locomotives with AC traction motors
#12-Ohio's Counties A listing of the railroads operating in Ohio's 88 Counties today and in 1985 and 1930.
#13-1980 A look at the events that took place during 1980 affecting America's railroads.
#14-Pieces of the RockSurviving rail lines and locomotives of the Rock Island Railroad.
#15-Amtrak's Abandoned RoutesA State by State list of routes previously used by Amtrak.
#16-Missouri River CrossingsA study of the Railroad crossings over the Missouri River.
Dale's Nexus
QUOTE: Originally posted by MP173 Thanks for everything you add to this forum. How do you get all this information? I always thought I was interested in facts, but you just keep rolling.
QUOTE: Originally posted by MP173 Oh come on Dale...do Illinois! You have conquered the Mississippi River, Iowa, Amtrak routings...what is next? I am in Chicago probably 3x a week and it is truly an amazing railroad center. Paul, I would tend to agree that Clearing may be the center of the universe for railroading, at least in North America. I always enjoy driving on Cicero Avenue. Also, there is an interesting place south of the yard in the Industrial park where you can sit in your car (not trespassing) and watch the hump. Has Clearing remained as busy as always, or has it slowed down with the mergers, etc? ed
Brian (IA) http://blhanel.rrpicturearchives.net.
QUOTE: Originally posted by nanaimo73 Hey Brian. I was wondering if I could fini***his before you found it. I should be done Arpil 25th. Do you have the April 1986 Trains ? 20 years later and it is still one of the best. I decided the CR&MC was a streetcar line and left it off. http://www.cedar-rapids.org/documents/cr&mc_carbarn.pdf
QUOTE: Originally posted by nanaimo73 I believe the CR&MC had their own line to Marion, beside that IC line on this link along the west side of Indian Creek. .http://terraserver.microsoft.com/image.aspx?T=2&S=14&Z=15&X=192&Y=1453&W=1&qs=%7cmarion%7c%7c
Does CN still use part of the Milwaukee Road mainline to serve any customers in Marion ?
QUOTE: Originally posted by blhanel If you're referring to the spur that curls north from the right edge, that's still there- not used for much, other than to park an occasional low-priority UP train on, such as this one.
QUOTE: That little parking lot on the right center edge of the terraserver picture, just west of the interlocking, is my favorite railfan hangout. Alot of my UP shots are taken from there.
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