The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad stands as a testament to American ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of westward expansion during the 19th century. This vital railway, initially conceived to traverse the nascent states of Iowa and Nebraska, laid foundational tracks that dramatically reshaped the economic and demographic landscape of the Midwest. Its story is one of ambitious construction, strategic acquisitions, and an enduring legacy that continues to resonate in the annals of railroad history.
Incorporated in 1852 in Burlington, Iowa, with its operational headquarters later established in Omaha, Nebraska, the primary objective of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad was to forge a reliable rail link across Iowa. Operations commenced modestly on January 1, 1856, with a mere handful of miles of track. This humble beginning, however, belied the immense vision behind the project and the transformative impact it would soon have on the region. The railroad’s early growth caught the attention of larger players, leading to its eventual acquisition in 1872 by the powerful Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, under which it continued to operate as a significant subsidiary.
Early Expansion and Strategic Connections
The initial years of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad were marked by rapid, strategic expansion. By 1857, the line had successfully connected to Ottumwa, Iowa, a crucial step in its eastern Iowa network. The push westward continued, and by 1868, the railroad had extended its reach to Murray. A significant milestone was achieved in November 1859 when the tracks finally reached the Missouri River. This connection was vital for bridging the gap between established eastern markets and the burgeoning territories further west, facilitated by the use of early wood-burning locomotives and functional wooden passenger cars that carried both people and goods.
A pivotal moment in the railroad’s development occurred with the completion of a bridge across the majestic Mississippi River at Burlington by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad. This engineering marvel created a seamless link, connecting the nascent Burlington and Missouri River Railroad directly to the extensive eastern rail networks, thereby amplifying its reach and economic potential. By 1868, the operational capacity of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad was impressive for its time, boasting 13 locomotives and a fleet of 429 cars, with a strong emphasis on freight transport. This robust operation generated net earnings of $299,850 in 1867, resulting in a net profit of $6,749 after accounting for loan interest, underscoring its growing profitability and importance.
Westward Ho! The Nebraska Frontier
The railroad’s ambition was not confined to Iowa. A sub-branch of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad was established in Nebraska in 1869, signaling an aggressive push into the heart of the Great Plains. The first rails penetrated Nebraska in 1870 at Plattsmouth, quickly followed by its arrival in Lincoln, the newly designated state capital, that same summer. This expansion into Nebraska was particularly significant, as it opened up vast tracts of land for settlement and agricultural development. The railroad continued its relentless westward progress, eventually achieving a historic connection with the legendary Union Pacific Railroad on September 3, 1872, at Kearney, Nebraska. The railroad bridge at Kearney, a critical piece of infrastructure, served for an impressive 104 years, effectively linking traffic from southern Nebraska to the broader continental network.
Beyond merely transporting goods and people, the railroad played an active role in shaping the demographics of the region. In 1872, the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad began an aggressive advertising campaign, promoting “millions of acres of cheap land” to prospective settlers in Iowa and Nebraska. This initiative was instrumental in attracting a steady stream of immigrants and homesteaders, driving agricultural expansion and the growth of new towns along the rail lines. Furthermore, recognizing the practical challenges of the prairie environment, Chief Engineer Thomas Doane, in 1872, undertook an early and ambitious forestation experiment. He hired nurseryman Ezra F. Stephens to plant 750,000 trees along a 100-mile stretch between Lincoln and Lowell, a pioneering effort to prevent snow drifts from impeding train operations, demonstrating a foresight that extended beyond immediate rail concerns.
Economic Impact and Diversified Freight
The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad quickly became a lifeline for the emerging agricultural economy of the Midwest. During 1872-1873, thousands of Texas Longhorns, trailed northward, were shipped from Lowell, Nebraska, utilizing the railroad’s extensive freight services. This facilitated the movement of livestock to eastern markets, generating substantial revenue and supporting the burgeoning cattle industry. In addition to livestock, vital agricultural products like sugar beets and prairie hay became primary freight items, highlighting the railroad’s crucial role in connecting agricultural producers with consumers and processing centers, thereby fostering regional economic growth and stability.
Following its acquisition by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad in 1872, the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad continued its expansion under its new ownership. At the time of the acquisition, it had already begun laying tracks towards Denver, Colorado. This ambitious line was eventually completed by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad ten years later, further extending the reach and influence of the combined rail network into the Rocky Mountain region. Even as a subsidiary, the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad maintained a distinct operational identity, particularly in the western territories. It operated several lines in the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota, including those acquired when the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad took over the Black Hills and Fort Pierre Railroad in 1901, consolidating regional rail control and enhancing service to mining and timber industries.
Legacy and Enduring Mark
The operational capabilities of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, even under subsidiary status, were critical during periods of national need. During World War II, for instance, its lines were heavily utilized, transporting as many as 200 carloads of essential materials such as cement, steel, and Weeping Water limestone to Nebraska for vital highway construction projects. This contribution underscored the railroad’s ongoing importance to national infrastructure and defense efforts, long after its independent identity had merged.
While its days of independent operation ceased, the physical remnants and historical significance of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad remain. The 24-mile Kenesaw-Kearney segment of Burlington track carried its last train on November 3, 1976, marking the end of an era for that particular stretch. Most of the land was subsequently sold, though 1.8 miles of right-of-way, including the historic Platte bridges, were thoughtfully preserved and designated as a Nebraska Game and Parks Commission hike-bike trail, allowing future generations to traverse a path once traveled by mighty locomotives. A historical marker, prominently erected on the grade between Lowell and Newark, Nebraska, serves as a poignant reminder of the railroad’s indelible impact on the American West, honoring the foresight and labor that literally laid the groundwork for prosperity and connection.
