Embark on a journey through the heartland of America, exploring the remarkable legacy of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad (CB&Q), affectionately known as the Burlington Route. This railroad titan carved an indelible path across the Midwestern United States, connecting bustling metropolises like Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Denver. From its humble beginnings as a local Illinois line to becoming a crucial part of the modern BNSF Railway, the CB&Q’s story is one of innovation, expansion, and a profound impact on American industry and travel.
Origins and Pioneering Growth
The roots of the Burlington Route stretch back to October 2, 1848, with the chartering of the Aurora Branch Railroad in Illinois. Local citizens, fearing their towns would be bypassed by the rapidly expanding Galena and Chicago Union Railroad, took matters into their own hands. The line quickly connected Aurora to Chicago, becoming the second railroad to serve the burgeoning city by September 1850. Built initially with secondhand strap iron, this fledgling railway demonstrated an early entrepreneurial spirit.
Renamed the Chicago and Aurora Railroad in 1852, and later the Chicago and Southwestern Railroad, its ambition quickly outgrew its initial scope. By 1856, it officially became the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, soon reaching its namesake cities of Burlington, Iowa, and Quincy, Illinois. Recognizing the vital role of agriculture, the CB&Q earned the moniker “Granger Railroad” for its close collaboration with farmers and ranchers. It actively promoted crop and stock improvement, irrigation, and soil conservation, demonstrating an early commitment to regional development.
Forging a Vast Midwestern Network
Under the vision of John Murray Forbes and the administrative prowess of Charles Elliott Perkins, the Burlington Route embarked on an aggressive expansion post-Civil War. Perkins, a powerful figure, effectively tripled the railroad’s size, transforming loosely held affiliates into a cohesive system. Key milestones included the construction of vital bridges over the Mississippi River at Burlington and Quincy in 1868, which facilitated connections with other essential lines, including the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad.
This relentless westward march saw the CB&Q’s influence extend deeply into Nebraska, reaching Lincoln by 1870 and Kearney by 1872. By 1882, the Burlington Route had completed its line all the way to Denver, Colorado, solidifying its position as a dominant force in connecting the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains.
Challenges, Consolidations, and Technological Leaps
Despite its successes, the CB&Q faced significant challenges. A major strike in 1888, led by skilled engineers and firemen, tested management’s resolve. Though President Perkins ultimately declared victory, the costly ten-month dispute left the railroad financially vulnerable ahead of the Panic of 1893.
At the turn of the century, the Burlington Route became a prize in the fierce competition among railroad magnates. James J. Hill, the “Empire Builder” behind the Great Northern Railway, acquired 97.2% of the CB&Q in 1901, aiming to integrate it into a grand transcontinental system. However, this ambition was thwarted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1904 ruling in the Northern Securities Case, which declared such monopolistic schemes illegal under the Sherman Antitrust Act.
Beyond territorial expansion, the CB&Q was a pioneer in adopting new technologies. It operated the first printing telegraph in 1910, was the first railroad to use train radio in 1915, and was an early adopter of centralized traffic control by 1927, consistently pushing the boundaries of railroad efficiency and communication.
The Iconic Zephyr Era: A New Age of Travel
Perhaps the most celebrated chapter in the CB&Q’s history began in 1934 with the introduction of the Pioneer Zephyr. This groundbreaking train was America’s first diesel-powered, streamlined passenger train, heralding a new era of rail travel. On May 26, 1934, the Pioneer Zephyr captivated the nation with a record-breaking 1,000-mile non-stop run from Denver to the Chicago World’s Fair, reaching speeds of 112.5 mph on a mere $14.64 worth of fuel. This feat showcased the immense potential of diesel-electric propulsion, laying the groundwork for the replacement of steam locomotives across the country.
The Burlington Route continued its legacy of innovation through the
