The line was extended west for another 25 miles to Oskaloosa and an additional 25 miles from Oskaloosa to Knoxville in 1876.
The line stayed in the Rock Island name, but was short lived west of Oskaloosa. The line was doomed when a parallel railroad offered service from Oskaloosa, but completed to Des Moines.
This parallel railroad was also Rock Island, meaning the Knoxville branch was abandoned in 1938. East of Oskaloosa stayed in service for years.
The line fell when the Rock Island did, in 1980. The exception was between Keota and Washington, when a shortline by the name of Keota & Washington popped up.
This was short lived, and the Kewash was abandoned by 1988. It was turned into a trail soon there after.
06/26/21
Located between West Chester and Washington, this large through truss bridge crosses the W. Fork of Crooked Creek.
Reportedly built in 1888, the bridge features a single standard quadrangular through truss. These trusses were commonly see. on both the Rock Island and the Chicago & North Western, and feature riveted connections and a distinctive pedimented portal bracing.
In addition, this bridge is also approached by several trestle spans on either side. The bridge rests on stone and timber pile substructures.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Unfortunately, dense brush kept the author from getting closer to the structure and doing a thorough inspection.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview.