replaced in 1910 with a steel bridge that is still
enjoyed by Cowboy Trail travelers today.
The Chicago and North Western Railroad took
over the Elkhorn route in 1882 and soon found
itself in an enviable position. A competitor's
planned route to the Black Hills was blocked when
Congress banned railroad construction on Indian
lands in Dakota Territory. The C&NW soon boasted
of having "The Only Line between CHICAGO and
the BLACK HILLS." The rails reached Chadron in
1885, Rapid City in 1886 and Deadwood in 1890.
The railroad also continued west from Chadron
into Wyoming.
The Elkhorn route carried freight and passengers
for many years. Eventually traffic declined, and
operations ceased on most of the track in the
1980s and 1990s.
N
Visit NSHS's
website at History.
nebraska.gov.
April 2025 • Nebraskaland 29
A column from the Chicago &
North Western's April 28, 1957,
timetable shows the times to
"Chardon" Nebraska.
NSHS, RG1633.AM
Chicago and North Western Engine No. 1191 pulling a post offi ce car, baggage car and passenger car, early 1900s. Photo by
Emanuel Wolfe of Neligh. NSHS, RG2836-0-1464
Postcard of the Chicago & North Western Depot at Neligh, circa 1910.
NSHS, RG2986-4-25
Postcard showing the Chicago and North Western coal chutes at Oakdale,
circa 1907.
NSHS, RG2986-5-32
