Arkansas Missouri Railroad History Through The Miles

The Early Years

The Arkansas Missouri Railroad was founded in 1853, and its first line was built between Van Buren, Arkansas, and Fort Smith, Arkansas. The railroad was originally intended to transport cotton and other agricultural products from the Arkansas River Valley to the Mississippi River. However, the railroad soon began to transport passengers as well, and it quickly became an important part of the local economy.

In 1870, the Arkansas Missouri Railroad was acquired by the Missouri Pacific Railroad. The Missouri Pacific Railroad was a major railroad company that operated in the Midwest and Southwest United States. The acquisition of the Arkansas Missouri Railroad gave the Missouri Pacific Railroad access to the Arkansas River Valley, and it helped to make the Missouri Pacific Railroad one of the largest railroads in the United States.

The 20th Century

The Arkansas Missouri Railroad continued to grow and expand throughout the 20th century. In 1900, the railroad built a new line between Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Joplin, Missouri. This line helped to connect the Arkansas Missouri Railroad to the Kansas City Southern Railroad, and it gave the railroad access to the markets of the Midwest and East Coast.

In the 1950s, the Arkansas Missouri Railroad began to diesel locomotives. Diesel locomotives were more efficient than steam locomotives, and they helped to reduce the railroad's operating costs. The railroad also began to invest in new freight cars, and it expanded its operations into new markets.

The 21st Century

The Arkansas Missouri Railroad continues to be an important part of the Arkansas and Missouri economies. The railroad transports a variety of freight, including agricultural products, manufactured goods, and coal. The railroad also transports passengers, and it operates a number of tourist trains.

In 2016, the Arkansas Missouri Railroad was acquired by the Genesee & Wyoming Railroad. The Genesee & Wyoming Railroad is a short-line railroad company that operates railroads in North America, Europe, and Australia. The acquisition of the Arkansas Missouri Railroad gave the Genesee & Wyoming Railroad access to the Arkansas River Valley, and it helped to make the Genesee & Wyoming Railroad one of the largest short-line railroads in the United States.

The Future

The Arkansas Missouri Railroad has a bright future. The railroad is well-positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for freight transportation. The railroad is also investing in new technology, and it is working to improve its customer service. The Arkansas Missouri Railroad is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.