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Tony Held's Collection
 
4/26/2024
 
 
 
 
 
By:Tony Held
Dates:9/4/2014 - 4/13/2021
Album Info:More vistas from abandoned lines, and some not-so abandoned which have traces of previous owners still extant here and there.
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Waiting For The Southwest LRT
Title:  Waiting For The Southwest LRT
Description:  The old M&St.L./C&NW from the Depot coffehouse to Excelsior Blvd. is bare earth again thanks to a trail re-routing. One day in the near future, however, a bridge carrying the Southwest LRT over Excelsior Blvd will be built in this area.
Photo Date:  9/4/2014  Upload Date: 9/4/2014 8:46:01 PM
Location:  Hopkins, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  221   Comments: 0
Well They Went And Changed This
Title:  Well They Went And Changed This
Description:  Three Rivers Parks went and altered the routing of the Minnesota River Bluffs trail down by the Depot coffehouse. It now crosses Excelsior Boulevard at the stoplight by the Depot. This means the old Minneapolis & St. Louis/C&NW right-of-way from here to Excelsior Blvd. is now bare earth once more. It won't be bare forever, however, what with the Southwest LRT coming through here.
Photo Date:  9/4/2014  Upload Date: 9/4/2014 8:44:05 PM
Location:  Hopkins, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  207   Comments: 0
The Elevators Remain
Title:  The Elevators Remain
Description:  The elevators you see here were once served by the Chicago Great Western and subsequently the Chicago and North Western. Once the CNW trimmed the line through Stewartville from its system, trucks effortlessly took over for trains (though the latter were much more photogenic, natch).
Photo Date:  10/25/2014  Upload Date: 10/29/2014 7:22:36 PM
Location:  Stewartville, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  313   Comments: 0
The CGW's Tracks Were Here
Title:  The CGW's Tracks Were Here
Description:  We are looking south from the heart of Stewartville at the location of the CGW's trackage in town. A copy of John C. Luecke's "More Chicago Great Western In Minnesota" proved invaluable as to determining the spot.
Photo Date:  10/25/2014  Upload Date: 10/29/2014 7:21:58 PM
Location:  Stewartville, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  256   Comments: 0
The Path Of The Osage Line
Title:  The Path Of The Osage Line
Description:  The path of the CGW line from Rochester, MN to Osage, IA can be traced north of Racine via a ragged piece of overgrown right-of-way.
Photo Date:  10/25/2014  Upload Date: 10/29/2014 7:19:51 PM
Location:  Racine, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  150   Comments: 0
Ragged Heap Of Right-of-Way
Title:  Ragged Heap Of Right-of-Way
Description:  A ragged heap of right-of-way remains north of Racine, Minnesota, on the old CGW route from Rochester, MN to Osage, Iowa.
Photo Date:  10/25/2014  Upload Date: 10/29/2014 7:17:43 PM
Location:  Racine, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  160   Comments: 0
Accidental Preservation
Title:  Accidental Preservation
Description:  Some former Chicago Great Western routes have been preserved as rail trails. A stretch of the old CGW line north of Racine, MN, got preserved thanks to a prairie restoration project.
Photo Date:  10/25/2014  Upload Date: 10/29/2014 7:20:38 PM
Location:  Racine, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  207   Comments: 0
CGW, We Hardly Knew Ye...
Title:  CGW, We Hardly Knew Ye...
Description:  This forlorn piece of ex-CGW right-of-way north of Racine, MN, preserved as part of a prairie restoration project, eloquently speaks as to how many CGW lines enjoyed too short a season of life.
Photo Date:  10/25/2014  Upload Date: 10/29/2014 7:21:18 PM
Location:  Racine, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  187   Comments: 0
The CGW Crossed Here
Title:  The CGW Crossed Here
Description:  The Chicago Great Western branch line which once stretched south of Rochester crossed the North Branch of the Root River on a bridge that once stood here. While most of the span is gone, the span's four concrete piers were left, and were utilized for a small trail bridge when a golf course eventually sprang up on this section of the old CGW.
Photo Date:  10/25/2014  Upload Date: 10/26/2014 6:05:33 PM
Location:  Stewartville, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  249   Comments: 0
Buried Tie
Title:  Buried Tie
Description:  The old CGW grade is still intact down by the former Cannon River crossing. Remarkably, the roadbed still retains ties, such as this half-buried specimen. I can't believe the Cheap and Nothing Wasted would leave these behind. Maybe they were too far gone?
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/9/2015 9:17:08 PM
Location:  Randolph, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  253   Comments: 0
From Road To Grade Again
Title:  From Road To Grade Again
Description:  I went "guerrilla" and slipped up a private road which occupied the former CGW north of 302nd Street in order to quickly snap this vista of the overgrown grade which stretches north from here to the site of the Cannon River bridge (thank you, Google satellite view, for the latter info).
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/7/2015 9:23:40 PM
Location:  Randolph, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  201   Comments: 0
The Depot Remains
Title:  The Depot Remains
Description:  Despite time having ravaged the Chicago Great Western right-of-way north and south of Kenyon, a tangible monument to the road remains: the former CGW depot. Located in the aptly named Depot Park, the immaculately restored structure now serves as a park shelter for rent. This is a view from the side of the building that once faced the main line.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/5/2015 3:23:28 PM
Location:  Kenyon, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  204   Comments: 0
All That Is Left Of The Winona & Western (And The Great Western)
Title:  All That Is Left Of The Winona & Western (And The Great Western)
Description:  The Winona and Western Railroad (nee the Winona and Southwestern) created the village of Simpson, Minnesota when it became a junction point from the W&W's main line to Rochester. The line from Rochester to McIntire, Iowa, lasted until the 1970s, being operated in succession by the W&W, Chicago Great Western, and Chicago and North Western. Now only this ragged, overgrown tract of land separating two properties stretching north out of Simpson remains as a monument to Simpson's glory days as a railway junction.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/5/2015 11:33:39 PM
Location:  Simpson, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  185   Comments: 0
From Railroad To Road
Title:  From Railroad To Road
Description:  We are looking north along the former CGW mainline about a click south of Randolph proper, down at 302nd Street. Here a portion of the line was remodeled into part of a driveway.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/7/2015 9:22:46 PM
Location:  Randolph, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  163   Comments: 0
Ragged Heap Of Former Railway
Title:  Ragged Heap Of Former Railway
Description:  We are looking north from 310th Street, which is a couple clicks south of Randolph proper. Here the right-of-way of the former Chicago Great Western mainline remains reasonably intact due to two farmers using it as a buffer between their properties. Note the remains of the ROW drainage ditch at left.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/7/2015 9:18:08 PM
Location:  Randolph, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  167   Comments: 0
Still Reasonably Intact
Title:  Still Reasonably Intact
Description:  Now we are looking south from 302nd Street. Here the former CGW grade is remarkably intact, though now looking more like a arboretum than a former railway line. Isn't it amazing how nature always coats abandoned grades with abundant tree life?
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/7/2015 9:21:02 PM
Location:  Randolph, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  157   Comments: 0
Is That A Sawed Off Telegraph Pole?
Title:  Is That A Sawed Off Telegraph Pole?
Description:  Now we are looking south from 310th Street down a portion of the former Chicago Great Western right-of-way which was kept as a property buffer. Note the former ROW fence in the center background and the possible sawed off telegraph pole in the left center foreground. The latter would place the roadbed approximately along the Evergreen you see in the right center.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/7/2015 9:20:11 PM
Location:  Randolph, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  185   Comments: 0
Ties Lie Beneath
Title:  Ties Lie Beneath
Description:  Grass has overgrown them by now, but a bunch of railroad ties remain on the former Chicago Great Western main line about a half mile north of the former Cannon River crossing.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/9/2015 9:19:29 PM
Location:  Randolph, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  236   Comments: 1
The Roadbed Remains
Title:  The Roadbed Remains
Description:  The former CGW roadbed remains intact just north of the former Cannon River crossing. North of here it is split in a couple places by post-abandonment housing before entering the grounds of the old Randolph yard.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/9/2015 9:22:14 PM
Location:  Randolph, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  177   Comments: 0
From Railroad Line To Overgrown Boundary Marker
Title:  From Railroad Line To Overgrown Boundary Marker
Description:  The old CGW right-of-way north of Simpson more or less remains. The old route is now a boundary between two properties.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/5/2015 11:34:43 PM
Location:  Simpson, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  170   Comments: 0
Behold, Another Tie!
Title:  Behold, Another Tie!
Description:  A few of the railroad ties lying atop the former CGW grade north of the former Cannon River crossing can still be glimpsed just beneath the grassy overgrowth which has covered them since about 1984.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/9/2015 9:21:00 PM
Location:  Randolph, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  154   Comments: 0
Station Sign Kenyon
Title:  Station Sign Kenyon
Description:  I have seen a photo of the depot taken during its days of service. I was delighted to find that the station sign "Kenyon" remained on the north side of the building. Note the "Bicentennial Community" sign. Was Depot Park opened in time for that?
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/5/2015 3:44:03 PM
Location:  Kenyon, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  185   Comments: 0
They Even Saved The Bricks?
Title:  They Even Saved The Bricks?
Description:  I never would have guessed the good people of Kenyon saved the bricks from the old CGW depot platform as well as the depot itself. What a cool find!
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/5/2015 3:48:42 PM
Location:  Kenyon, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  142   Comments: 0
South Side
Title:  South Side
Description:  A view of the south side of the Kenyon CGW depot. Note the old platform bricks. Apparently these were salvaged along with the building. Nice touch!
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/5/2015 3:47:40 PM
Location:  Kenyon, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  157   Comments: 0
A CGW "Fingerprint"
Title:  A CGW "Fingerprint"
Description:  I found a tie fragment a few feet south of the former CGW grade crossing on 302nd Street. This has sat here since the early 1980s! They sure made railroad ties to last, even when fragmented. These bits of railroad tie in turn make a definitive "fingerprint" that this indeed was the old CGW.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/7/2015 9:25:34 PM
Location:  Randolph, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  313   Comments: 0
Nice Touch
Title:  Nice Touch
Description:  They added a vintage railroad sign to the west side of the old CGW depot -- or maybe it was on the former depot grounds by the CGW main? Either way, it is a nice touch.
Photo Date:  4/3/2015  Upload Date: 4/5/2015 3:45:54 PM
Location:  Kenyon, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  133   Comments: 0
Well Preserved Right-of-Way Turned Rail Trail
Title:  Well Preserved Right-of-Way Turned Rail Trail
Description:  The old Minneapolis & St. Louis route from Hopkins to Excelsior and points west is well preserved east of 17th Avenue North. Ballast, ties, and track could be rebuilt here no sweat! Alas, the ROW just west of here, in between 17th Avenue and Highway 7, was significantly impacted post-abandonment by an auto dealership that later gave way to an LA Fitness.
Photo Date:  4/21/2015  Upload Date: 4/22/2015 6:03:35 PM
Location:  Hopkins, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  162   Comments: 0
How The Milwaukee Road Passed Through
Title:  How The Milwaukee Road Passed Through
Description:  The aerial photo on this historical display near the Fountain trail head for the Root River State Trail gives a fine look at how the Milwaukee Road's Southern Minnesota line passed through town.
Photo Date:  6/16/2015  Upload Date: 6/16/2015 9:16:27 PM
Location:  Fountain, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  180   Comments: 0
Resume Former CGW
Title:  Resume Former CGW
Description:  The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail swings back onto the former Chicago Great Western line to Mankato after being routed past local businesses whose construction impacted the former CGW post-abandonment. This spot is located near a Dairy Queen.
Photo Date:  7/23/2015  Upload Date: 7/26/2015 5:08:05 PM
Location:  Faribault, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  126   Comments: 0
From Alcos to Bicylists
Title:  From Alcos to Bicylists
Description:  A view down the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail from down by the Dairy Queen trail head. The old CGW Mankato line has gone from Alcos and F-units to bicyclists and rollerbladers. I wonder what could have been made of the line today were it still completely intact?
Photo Date:  7/23/2015  Upload Date: 7/26/2015 5:11:20 PM
Location:  Faribault, MN
Author:  Richard Held
Categories: 
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Views:  135   Comments: 0
Everything But Rails, Ties, And Ballast
Title:  Everything But Rails, Ties, And Ballast
Description:  A good piece of remaining grade from the Chicago Great Western's main line can be found just north of West Concord at the former 170th Avenue grade crossing. County Road 56 is at left.
Photo Date:  7/28/2015  Upload Date: 7/29/2015 10:56:22 PM
Location:  West Concord, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  144   Comments: 0
Where The Main Line Once Was
Title:  Where The Main Line Once Was
Description:  A view of the main line side of the former CGW Dodge Center depot. A depot without rails is like a stranded ship at low tide if you ask me, but at least this sheet metal CGW relic still stands, ableit in modified form.
Photo Date:  7/28/2015  Upload Date: 7/29/2015 11:14:42 PM
Location:  Dodge Center, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  275   Comments: 2
Bitten Off CGW R-O-W
Title:  Bitten Off CGW R-O-W
Description:  Here we are looking south from the former Chicago Great Western/Chicago and North Western grade crossing at 170th Street in West Concord. The farmer's field at left provides a dramatic glimpse into the fate that befell much of the former main line right-of-way when the land reverted back to adjacent land owners after abandonment in the early 1980s.
Photo Date:  7/28/2015  Upload Date: 7/29/2015 10:57:00 PM
Location:  West Concord, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  179   Comments: 0
From Depot To Railfan Haven
Title:  From Depot To Railfan Haven
Description:  The CNW ball-and-bar logo-shaped sign and the switch stand indicate that the former Chicago Great Western Dodge Center depot is now the haven of a railfan. Lucky soul.
Photo Date:  7/29/2015  Upload Date: 7/29/2015 11:13:34 PM
Location:  Dodge Center, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  228   Comments: 0
Former Soo Line At Willow Street
Title:  Former Soo Line At Willow Street
Description:  Looking east. Cattail Trail is unpaved on the east and west sides of downtown Turtle Lake. To think that Soo F units and geeps once roamed here.
Photo Date:  8/8/2015  Upload Date: 8/10/2015 10:18:39 PM
Location:  Turtle Lake, WI
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  112   Comments: 0
Former Soo Line at Elm Street
Title:  Former Soo Line at Elm Street
Description:  Looking east. We are now at the location of the Soo Line/Chicago and North Western crossing.
Photo Date:  8/8/2015  Upload Date: 8/10/2015 10:11:12 PM
Location:  Turtle Lake, WI
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  137   Comments: 0
Former Soo Line at Maple Street
Title:  Former Soo Line at Maple Street
Description:  Looking east. Route is now the Cattail Trail, which runs from Dresser to Poskin, in between active portions of this former east-west Soo Line route.
Photo Date:  8/8/2015  Upload Date: 8/10/2015 10:10:36 PM
Location:  Turtle Lake, WI
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  127   Comments: 0
Former Soo Line at Pine Street
Title:  Former Soo Line at Pine Street
Description:  Looking east on what is now the Cattail Trail.
Photo Date:  8/8/2015  Upload Date: 8/10/2015 10:09:29 PM
Location:  Turtle Lake, WI
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  150   Comments: 0
Fancy Sign
Title:  Fancy Sign
Description:  Fancy signs like these can now be found along the former Soo Line in between Dresser and Poskin thanks to the Cattail Trail.
Photo Date:  8/8/2015  Upload Date: 8/10/2015 10:18:09 PM
Location:  Turtle Lake, WI
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  192   Comments: 0
Former CNW Right-of-Way
Title:  Former CNW Right-of-Way
Description:  We are looking south from the former Soo Line along the well manicured right-of-way of the Chicago and North Western, which once crossed the Soo at this point.
Photo Date:  8/8/2015  Upload Date: 8/10/2015 10:21:07 PM
Location:  Turtle Lake, WI
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  147   Comments: 1
Remaining CNW Ballast
Title:  Remaining CNW Ballast
Description:  Tracks used to exist beneath Highway 169 when the Chicago and North Western operated here. After the rails went up in 1992, some track ballast remained behind which remains to this day.
Photo Date:  8/12/2015  Upload Date: 8/12/2015 10:45:30 AM
Location:  Hopkins, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  179   Comments: 0
Where The Sunrise Prairie Trail (aka NP Skally Line) Ends
Title:  Where The Sunrise Prairie Trail (aka NP Skally Line) Ends
Description:  From Forest Lake to North Branch, the old Northern Pacific Skally Line is now known as the Sunrise Prairie Trail. The trail ends at Main Street, but it is not on the actual NP right-of-way due to the post-abandonment development at left which took a bite out of the line. Behind me the rails are intact from here to Hinckley thanks to enough business which kept the Burlington Northern happy until shortline railroad St. Croix Valley took this active piece of the Skally Line off of BN's hands.
Photo Date:  8/16/2015  Upload Date: 8/20/2015 11:31:19 PM
Location:  North Branch, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  339   Comments: 1
Waiting For Its Next Use
Title:  Waiting For Its Next Use
Description:  This is the former Minneapolis & St. Louis trestle over East Chaska Creek in downtown Chaska. This bridge has been used by the M&St.L. and successors Chicago and North Western and Union Pacific. Thanks to Uncle Pete not keeping the faith with traffic to United Sugars after a bridge close to the Minnesota River collapsed in 2007, this bridge now awaits its next use while the right-of-way north and south of it has become so well manicured even the track ballast is gone.
Photo Date:  8/20/2015  Upload Date: 8/20/2015 11:24:53 PM
Location:  Chaska, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories:  Bridge
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Views:  219   Comments: 0
CGW Winona Line Remains
Title:  CGW Winona Line Remains
Description:  This ragged heap of earth located on the east side of County Road 18 east of Utica remains as a monument to the Chicago Great Western's line to Winona, Minnesota.
Photo Date:  10/7/2015  Upload Date: 10/7/2015 9:07:18 PM
Location:  Utica, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  159   Comments: 0
The Signal Base And Call Box Remain
Title:  The Signal Base And Call Box Remain
Description:  A call box and the base of a signal mast remain intact along the grassy right-of-way of the former Minneapolis & St. Louis route to Excelsior and points west. Here they sit beneath gray skies on Christmas Day 2015.
Photo Date:  12/25/2015  Upload Date: 12/25/2015 2:52:35 PM
Location:  Hopkins, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories:  Signal
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Views:  171   Comments: 0
Former CGW: Looking East
Title:  Former CGW: Looking East
Description:  We are looking east along the former Chicago Great Western Cannon Valley line in Cannon Falls, MN from down by the former CGW depot. The trail is located where the main line was. A siding was located to the right of the main track. Northwest of here, across the Cannon River, the Cannon Valley line is intact and operated by Progressive Rail from Cannon Falls to Northfield.
Photo Date:  1/15/2016  Upload Date: 1/15/2016 9:07:16 PM
Location:  Cannon Falls, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  214   Comments: 0
Fixer Upper
Title:  Fixer Upper
Description:  The former Chicago Great Western Cannon Falls depot brings the words "fixer upper" to mind. Anyone know what is being done with it?
Photo Date:  1/15/2016  Upload Date: 1/15/2016 9:07:40 PM
Location:  Cannon Falls, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  208   Comments: 0
Former CGW Depot: East End
Title:  Former CGW Depot: East End
Description:  The east end of the former CGW Cannon Falls depot. is that a garage door where the east wall used to be?
Photo Date:  1/15/2016  Upload Date: 1/15/2016 9:07:58 PM
Location:  Cannon Falls, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  148   Comments: 0
Former CGW Depot: West End
Title:  Former CGW Depot: West End
Description:  The west end of the former CGW Cannon Falls depot. Currently it is still on its original location, but is it about to be moved? The trail at right occupies where the main track of the CGW Cannon Valley line was. A siding was located on the side of the main opposite the depot.
Photo Date:  1/15/2016  Upload Date: 1/15/2016 9:08:18 PM
Location:  Cannon Falls, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories:  Station
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Views:  191   Comments: 0
The Great Western Was Here
Title:  The Great Western Was Here
Description:  The abandoned grade of the main line of the Chicago Great Western can still be found on the northern edge of Kenyon. This bleak vista, captured on an unusually mild late January morning, echoes with the ghosts of the CGW's past.
Photo Date:  1/30/2016  Upload Date: 1/30/2016 8:21:43 PM
Location:  Kenyon, MN
Author:  Tony Held
Categories: 
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Views:  136   Comments: 0


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