This line connected to another line at the state line, as well as other lines at Parsons.
In 1887, the Parsons and Pacific Railroad continued the line to Coffeyville, Kansas; near the Oklahoma Border.
This route became a part of the Kansas City & Pacific Railroad in 1887.
Both railroads became a part of a reorganized Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway in 1899. The MKT has built a substantial amount of trackage through Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma.
By 1923, the route was again reorganized as the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad; a name which would stick until the demise of the company.
This particular line served as a mainline between St. Louis and Oklahoma City. It also had a direct connection to many other important lines.
Despite being a direct route, much of the trackage was quickly abandoned. A large segment between Parsons and Coffeyville experienced severe washouts in the summer of 1976, and would be abandoned by 1978.
In 1988, the MKT became a part of the Union Pacific Railroad. The remainder of the line between the State Line and Parsons would be abandoned by 1997.
In 2017, much of the original line is long abandoned, with most structures removed.
06/26/21
This beautiful bridge crosses the Marmaton River in Fort Scott.
While hidden deep in the woods, the bridge is a treat to those who visit. The main span is a large Parker Through Truss, while it is approached by trestle spans.
The main Parker Through Truss span is a rather large built up span. The span features 8 panels, as well as pinned connections.
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition. The decking has begun to deteriorate significantly, but the main components of the bridge are in healthy condition.
In addition to the trestle approaches, the bridge is set onto stone piers. These piers likely date to the predecessor structure.
The bridge faces a hopeful future. It is believed that the span will become part of a rail to trail in Fort Scott.
A parallel bridge once existed just to the south, and was owned by Missouri Pacific. This bridge was removed sometime in the 1990s.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the well preserved historical nature of the bridge.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from nearby streets.
| Upstream | MP Marmaton River Bridge (N) |
| Downstream | MP Marmaton River Bridge (S) |