THIS BRIEF HISTORY of the Milwaukee Road was prepared to meet the frequent requests sent to us by students, hobbyists and others who, for one reason or another, want information about the history and growth of our railroad. It is not intended to be complete, but rather to present only the more meaningful developments of a period that now extends well over a century.

As we were preparing this history, it occurred to us that there are interesting parallels between the early days of railroading and things which are happening today.

The 1860’s and 1870’s were a period when small railroads were being consolidated into larger, more efficient systems—when new ideas and new methods were coming at a rapid pace—when railroads were in an extended period of growth, change and improvement. Many of these same things are happening in the 1960’s, and will be happening in the 1970’s and other years ahead. The Milwaukee Road is a leader in these developments, whether in the past, present or coming years.

We hope that this history will be both interesting and useful to you.

The President's Letter

Curtiss E. Crippen

President

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