BNSF 17th Street Bridge (Jamestown)

The Midland Continental Railroad was formed in 1906 in South Dakota.  The goal of the railroad was to create a strong north/south railroad line between Canada and the Gulf of Mexico.  After surveys were completed in 1909, construction would begin, with the goal of connecting Winnipeg, Manitoba to Galveston, Texas.  Construction would be completed on two segments in 1912, extending from Edgeley, North Dakota to Jamestown, North Dakota; and between Jamestown and Wimbledon, North Dakota.  The railroad interchanged with the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) at Edgeley, the Northern Pacific Railway at Jamestown, and the Soo Line at Wimbledon.  J. Bruce Ismay, chairman of the troubled former owner of The Titanic, White Star Line, pledged support of enough money to complete the entire railroad in 1914.  However, he backed out not long after due to World War I, which spoiled the railroads dreams of becoming successful.  The Midland Continental Railroad continued operating as an independent railroad, controlling 77 miles of track.  By 1966, the Northern Pacific Railway (NP) and Soo Line Railroad decided to purchase and share the line.  The Soo Line and Northern Pacific jointly abandoned the majority of the route in 1969.  A sole spur from Jamestown to Kloze remained, owned fully by NP.  In 1970, NP would merge with rival Great Northern Railway and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy to form Burlington Northern Railroad (BN).  BN abandoned the route between southern Jamestown and Kloze in 1979.  BN merged with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in 1996 to form BNSF Railway.  Today, BNSF continues to operate a short spur to the Jamestown State Hospital, the sole remaining segment of this line.