This new line would connect to one mainline at Hayfield, but also serve as the basis for the other mainline between Chicago and St. Paul.
The line would eventually be extended east, connecting to an existing railroad at Dubuque.
However, the line became part of the Chicago, St. Paul & Kansas City Railway in 1887, which in turn became part of the Chicago Great Western Railway in 1893.
The line attained mainline status, as it connected several important economies.
The railroad was reorganized as the Chicago Great Western Railroad in 1909, which had several lines through the Midwest.
By 1968, the Chicago Great Western would be purchased by the Chicago & North Western Railway, which had no intentions of keeping a parallel mainline.
In 1981, the entire line between Randolph, Minnesota and Oelwein, Iowa (142 miles total) would be abandoned.
After abandonment, significant sections between Elma, Iowa and the State Line near Taopi, Minnesota would be constructed as the Wapsi Great Western Trail.
The remaining sections are abandoned.
06/26/21
Located in the town of Riceville, this large arch bridge crosses Watson Creek.
Little is known about the history of this bridge. In a 1912 postcard, the bridge is constructed of concrete, probably the same concrete seen today. It is likely that the concrete was an encasement of an older stone structure.
However, an annual report from 1897 made note that an 800 foot long and 30 foot high trestle at Riceville was being filled. It seems highly likely that this is that structure, and it seems likely that the original arch underneath is made of stone.
Today, it is used as a trail. Unfortunately, the bridge appears to be in fair to poor condition, with serious structural issues along the walls, as well as spalling throughout the bridge.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.