The Journal
A Short Ride on
the First Railroad West of the Mississippi
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The Spring 2004 JOURNAL of the Jackson County Historical
Society features A Short Ride on the First Railroad West of
the Mississippi In January 1967, Independence
was set to approve an annexation proposal that would extend the city limits
to the Missouri River. It wouldn’t be the first time Independence had
frontage on the River. Around 1851 the city, prosperous and growing from trade associated with outfitting emigrants embarking on the overland trails to the west, extended its old village limits north through a narrow panhandle to the river. Extending the limits to the river incorporated bustling Wayne City landing into the City’s fold. Helping bolster this burgeoning economy was a train
powered by two mules (one in lead of the other) that ran between Wayne City
and Independence. It was the first railroad built in Missouri, construction
having begun in 1848. The track was made of steel-faced wooden timbers laid
lengthwise, just as iron rails were later used. The wheels of the cars, too,
were of wood. The railroad was nearly complete by the time the Missouri
General Assembly approved the act creating the “Independence and Missouri
River Rail Road Company.”
Websites offering more information: Ecyclopedia
of the History of Missouri: Railroads To order this JOURNAL edition, subscribe or join JCHS click
here. |
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