Railroads of South Dakota
South Dakota has had its history influenced by the railroad industry in immense ways. Since the days of the Gold Rush, up until World War II, South Dakotan Rails have played huge roles in the United States economy. When gold was discovered, Rapid City had its first direct line running through the city. Many rail lines were later added to the area for passenger traffic.
History
As South Dakota’s history formed, the railroads blazed the way, making a lot of what has happened here possible. It was thanks to the Milwaukee and the Chicago & Northwestern Lines that much of the growth of the state happened. Because they built lines to places like Rapid City, Aberdeen, Huron, and Vermillion, the companies gave easy access to immigrants and farmers to make their way to the South Dakota. These people made their homes in the many farms and small towns that now divide the landscape of SD.
Importance to South Dakota
Aberdeen, another small city in South Dakota, actually became known as the Hub City thanks to its massive railyard. This was often the site where troops, during World War I and II, coming from North and South Dakota would board trains to be sent to training in the Eastern United States. Rapid City and Huron served similar roles. Both Rapid City and Huron have fairly large railyards that split train lines in many different directions.
In conclusion, South Dakota has been largely influenced by the Rail industry, as well as influenced the industry itself. The same is expected to be in the coming future for the state.
Citations
[1] M. Hufstetler, M. Bedeau, South Dakota's Railroads, in: S.D.S.H.P. Office (Ed.), State of South Dakota, Pierre, South Dakota, July 1998
Revised, December 2007.
[2] A Pioneer Railroad Builder of South Dakota, South Dakota Historical Society, Pierre, SD, March 2015.
South Dakota has had its history influenced by the railroad industry in immense ways. Since the days of the Gold Rush, up until World War II, South Dakotan Rails have played huge roles in the United States economy. When gold was discovered, Rapid City had its first direct line running through the city. Many rail lines were later added to the area for passenger traffic.
History
As South Dakota’s history formed, the railroads blazed the way, making a lot of what has happened here possible. It was thanks to the Milwaukee and the Chicago & Northwestern Lines that much of the growth of the state happened. Because they built lines to places like Rapid City, Aberdeen, Huron, and Vermillion, the companies gave easy access to immigrants and farmers to make their way to the South Dakota. These people made their homes in the many farms and small towns that now divide the landscape of SD.
Importance to South Dakota
Aberdeen, another small city in South Dakota, actually became known as the Hub City thanks to its massive railyard. This was often the site where troops, during World War I and II, coming from North and South Dakota would board trains to be sent to training in the Eastern United States. Rapid City and Huron served similar roles. Both Rapid City and Huron have fairly large railyards that split train lines in many different directions.
In conclusion, South Dakota has been largely influenced by the Rail industry, as well as influenced the industry itself. The same is expected to be in the coming future for the state.
Citations
[1] M. Hufstetler, M. Bedeau, South Dakota's Railroads, in: S.D.S.H.P. Office (Ed.), State of South Dakota, Pierre, South Dakota, July 1998
Revised, December 2007.
[2] A Pioneer Railroad Builder of South Dakota, South Dakota Historical Society, Pierre, SD, March 2015.