Milwaukee Road

The Milwaukee Road was a major American railroad company operating primarily in the Midwest and Northwest from 1847 to 1980. Known officially as the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, it facilitated the transportation of passengers and freight across its extensive network, which included important routes like the transcontinental line reaching the Pacific Northwest. The railroad played a vital role in regional economic development, connecting agricultural and industrial areas. It was known for innovations like electrified tracks in mountainous regions and was a significant competitor in the railroad industry before facing declining profitability and eventual merger into other rail systems.