Why is it called the Soo Line?
Table of Contents
Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad (MStP&SSM), which was commonly known as the Soo Line after the phonetic spelling of Sault, it was formed in 1961 by the consolidation of that company with two other CP subsidiaries: The Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railway, and the Wisconsin Central Railway.
Who bought out the Soo Line Railroad?
the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP)
The Soo Line has been owned in part (and since 1990, entirely) by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), which headquartered its U.S. operations in Minneapolis for over 120 years… until now. Thus, this merger marks the end of an era in Minnesota’s economic history.
Where did the Soo Line run?
In 1904, the Soo Line built tracks from Thief River Falls, Minnesota to Kenmare, North Dakota. This road was nicknamed the Wheat Line.
What happened to the Grand Trunk Railway?
Nearing bankruptcy in 1919, the entire system was nationalized: the government merged the Grand Trunk, the Grand Trunk Pacific, and the National Transcontinental lines into the new Canadian National Railways. The process was completed in 1923.
Is the Milwaukee Road still in business?
These services passed to the Regional Transportation Authority in 1982 after the Milwaukee Road’s bankruptcy. They are still operated today by Metra, Chicago’s commuter rail agency, as the Milwaukee District / North Line and Milwaukee District / West Line.
What happened to the Nickel Plate Railroad?
The Nickel Plate fell into receivership in 1885 and was reorganized as the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad Co. in 1887 but was still popularly known as the Nickel Plate. The New York Central’s ownership of the Nickel Plate gave it a monopoly on the east-west rail traffic between Buffalo and Chicago.
Where did the Soo Line Railroad go?
The railroad’s target was Sault Ste. Marie within Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This town was based along the south bank of the St. Marys River, which allowed for interchange with Canadian lines through Ontario and southern Quebec. The Soo Line Railroad logo. Author’s work.
What is the Minneapolis Soo Line?
Photograph by George Miles Ryan Studio The Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad, commonly known as the Soo Line from a phonetic spelling of Sault, helped Minnesota farmers and millers prosper by hauling grain directly from Minneapolis to eastern markets.
Who was the owner of the Soo Line?
Canadian Pacific Railway was a majority stock owner in the Soo Line from 1888 on, but the Soo Line continued for years as a separate company, with Thomas Lowry as president. The primary business of the Soo Line was hauling grain, but the railroad also carried lumber, iron ore, and passengers.
What does Soo mean in Soo Line?
From an early period the company was simply known as the “Soo” or “Soo Line.” It was the phonetic spelling of “Sault” in Sault Ste. Marie, a French word meaning waterfall or rapids. On June 3, 1889, the first train bound for St. Paul left Boston, Massachusetts.