The line was built from Dubuque to Thorpe, Iowa; about 30 miles from the major junction of Oelwein. The line also crossed the Mississippi River on the Illinois Central Bridge heading towards Chicago.
Leaving Dubuque, the line would go through Sageville, Durango, Epsworth and Dyersville before hitting the community of Oneida, right before Thorpe.
At Thorpe, the line connected to Oelwein, which lead to St. Paul or Kansas City.
The line from Oelwein to Thorpe was built the same year. These lines all came under the Chicago Great Western Railway in 1903.
The CGW became part of the Chicago & Northwestern in 1968. The line was abandoned in its entirety in 1980.
Soon after, Dubuque County acquired a portion of the railbeds from Dyersville to Dubuque and created the Heritage Trail, which winds its way around the Little Maquoketa River Valley for 26 miles.
The trail is well maintained and very rich in history.
06/26/21
This standard deck girder bridge crosses the Little Maquoketa River near Graf.
Built in approximately 1913, the bridge contains a single 100 foot long span. This span sits on concrete substructures.
Many similar bridges exist along this route.
Overall, this bridge is in poor condition, with the substructures and superstructures showing serious signs of deterioration.
The author has rated this bridge as being locally significant, due to the small size and common design.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from the trail it carries.
| Upstream | Little Maquoketa River Trail Bridge #3 |
| Downstream | Little Maquoketa River Trail Bridge #5 |