Greetings, new member here. I have looked in vain on the Net for this info...anyone know when the C & N W line thru Thurston, Nebraska (Thurston County) was abandoned? My wife used to own farmland that adjoined the right of way. Thanks for any insight!
That was once part of the Chicago, St.Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha RY. It was their main line between Omaha and the Twin Cities. I don't recall an exact date. It seems to me I recall reading the line between Sioux City and Omaha was embargoed, and sat unused for a while, before they actually pulled it. There might have also been some flood damage. It was between 1970 and 1975 when they stopped using it. My fading memory of C&NW history is saying about 1972. The C&NW had a line across the river which they favored, so this track was deemed redundant. There was a fellow who had exploerd the remains, and had uploaded photos here at one time. But those are no longer in his albums.
Thank you Boxcab! I knew someone here would know. I gather from your username, location, and avatar that you are a Milwaukee fan. About 10 years ago, we visited my sister in law who lives in Wallace, Idaho. She took us to Avery one day, and I recall driving over much of old MILW right of way. I had read much about Avery in the past, and was astounded to find how little of the MILW remained. Just the depot/museum, staffed by a guy who seemed pretty knowledgeable about the history.
Yes. You gather correctly. I had a bunch of family who worked for the RR, amongst many other companies. Not just here in this part of the country. Also since the family was involved, I came away with many friends who worked for that RR, or were simply fans. My interests are not limited to that one railroad, it is simply my favorite. NP, M&St.L, CGW, RI and many others, (pre-mega-merger era), are fascinating for me. Thus my collecting of train orders, as seen on my web site. Just a small part of it displayed in the TOUR. Yes. If he was also the postmaster, I know who you are talking about at Avery. He is well versed in local history and lore. Sadly, too much around there has been erased.
