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List of South Dakota railroads facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

South Dakota is a state in the United States. It has many railroads. Railroads are like special roads for trains. Trains help move goods and people across the state. They have been important for a long time.

Trains That Carry Goods

Freight trains carry goods. They move things like crops, coal, and other products. These trains help businesses in South Dakota. They connect the state to other parts of the country.

  • BNSF Railway (BNSF) is one of the biggest freight railroads.
  • Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) operates through its smaller companies, Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad (DME) and Soo Line Railroad (SOO).
  • D&I Railroad (DAIR)
  • Dakota, Missouri Valley and Western Railroad (DMVW)
  • Dakota Southern Railway (DSRC)
  • Ellis and Eastern Company (EE)
  • Ringneck & Western (RWRR)
  • Sisseton Milbank Railroad (SMRR) is part of Twin Cities and Western Railroad.
  • Sunflour Railroad (SNR)
  • Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad (RCPE)

Trains That Carry People

Passenger trains carry people. They allow people to travel for fun or to see different places. In South Dakota, these trains often offer scenic rides. They let you enjoy the beautiful views.

Railroads From the Past

Many railroads have operated in South Dakota over the years. Some of these companies no longer exist. They might have merged with other railroads. Or they might have stopped running trains for other reasons. Here are a few examples of railroads that used to operate here:

Big Railroads That Changed Names

Some famous railroads changed their names or became part of bigger companies.

  • The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) was a large railroad. It operated from 1886 until 1970. It then became part of Burlington Northern Inc..
  • The Chicago and North Western Railway (CNW) ran trains from 1879. It later became the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company. This company then joined the Union Pacific Railroad in 1995.
  • The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (MILW) was also known as the Milwaukee Road. It operated from 1928 to 1982. Parts of it were taken over by other railroads.
  • The Great Northern Railway (GN) was a major railroad. It operated from 1890 until 1970. It also became part of Burlington Northern Inc..

Other Notable Past Railroads

Many smaller railroads helped connect towns in South Dakota. They were important for local communities.

  • The Deadwood Central Railroad ran trains near Deadwood. It operated from 1888 to 1936.
  • The Rapid City, Black Hills and Western Railroad operated from 1909 to 1948.
  • The Sioux City and Dakota Railroad was an early railroad. It ran from 1879 to 1881.
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List of South Dakota railroads Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.