From Valentine, the route continued west along a due-west trajectory. Near Chadron, Nebraska, the route turned north, heading into South Dakota.
By 1886, the route would reach Rapid City from the south. At a point near Chadron, another route continued west towards Casper, Wyoming. When opened, the junction point became known as "Dakota Junction".
In 1887, the railroad continued north out of Rapid City, reaching Whitewood, approximately 36 miles away.
In 1890, the route would be extended again, reaching Belle Fourche.
By 1903, the FE&MV would be purchased by the Chicago & North Western. In 1906, a connection would be made to the rest of the Chicago & North Western system via Pierre, connecting this route to the mainlines of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Eventually, the route was continued west a short distance to some Bentonite Mines near Colony, Wyoming.
Because of the nature of this line, it was profitable to the C&NW. However, a number of branch lines and spurs which came off of this route were less fortunate, and later abandoned.
By 1986, the C&NW was reorganizing and consolidating traffic. The route from Dakota Junction to Colony, Wyoming was sold to the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad in 1986.
DM&E operated this route and was largely successful doing it. In 2008, Canadian Pacific Railway acquired the DM&E, and operated it as a subsidiary.
By 2014, CP had no interest in any line west of Tracy, Minnesota. In turn, the route was sold to the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad.
Currently, the RCP&E operates this line as a mainline.
08/28/21
When a bridge at Clinton, Iowa was replaced with a the current bridge, several spans of the old bridge would be relocated.
Along with the nearby Whitewood Rail Bridge and a span in northern Wisconsin, four spans of the old Clinton Bridge would find their way to branch lines.
Frugal railroads oftentimes reused spans to save money. The two main spans were relocated from the above mentioned Clinton bridge in 1910. They were originally constructed as approaches in 1898, only 12 years prior.
Had a double track bridge not been required for the Clinton crossing, it is safe to say that these spans would have been heavy enough to carry traffic into the present day. These two spans are two of the heaviest 19th century railroad trusses the author has ever seen.
The main trusses include both a 7-panel and an 8-panel panel pin connected Pratt Through Truss. The massive spans were originally built with a large lattice portal, which still exists. In addition, a cutout on the bridge indicated a date of 1898, but has since been covered up to prevent confusion.
These two main trusses are approached on the south by a series of six deck girder spans. In addition, trestle spans approach the bridge on either side.
Holding up the bridge are a variety of substructures. Under the trusses are large concrete piers, while steel piers hold up the deck girder spans and wooden trestles are supported by wooden pilings.
Overall, the bridge remains in very good condition. It is believed that this bridge will be able to carry modern loads for years to come.
Photo of the Clinton Bridge, with the old bridge on the right
The author has ranked the bridge as being regionally significant, due to the newer age but the relocation history.
The photo above is an overview looking north. The photo below is a detail of the portal.
| Upstream | BNSF Cheyenne River Bridge |
| Downstream | Abandoned Cheyenne River Bridge |
