Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Year Founded | 1847 |
| Year of Demise | 1980 Shut down due to bankruptcy |
| Total Track Mileage | 7,183 miles |
| Number of States was Located In | 14 |
| Headquarters | Chicago Illinois |
History
Introduction:
The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, known colloquially as the Rock Island Railroad, or “Rock Island Line” or “The Rock”, was a Class I railroad that operated in the Midwestern and Southwestern United States from 1852 until its dissolution in 1980. The Rock Island Line was known for flagship passenger trains, the “Rock Island Rockets”. Despite its many accomplishments, the railroad ultimately fell into financial troubles and was forced to shut down, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate railway enthusiasts to this day.
In-depth history:
The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad was founded in 1847 and began operations in 1852. The railroad quickly expanded, acquiring numerous smaller lines and extending its reach to include major cities such as Chicago, Kansas City, and Houston.
In the 1950’s, the Rock Island Line attempted to merge with the Union Pacific Railroad, but the deal fell through because it had become unattractive to Union Pacific, and due to antitrust concerns.
Despite its early success, the Rock Island Line began to struggle in the mid-twentieth century due to increased competition from other railroads and the rise of automobiles and airplanes. The company declared bankruptcy twice in the 1970s and was finally dissolved in 1980. The Southern Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad purchased some of the Rock Island Line’s former assets, but much of the infrastructure was abandoned and left to deteriorate.
Major passenger trains
One of the Rock Island Line’s most significant accomplishments was the development of its flagship passenger trains, the “Rock Island Rockets”. These trains, which included the Corn Belt Rocket, the Quad Cities Rocket, and the Rocky Mountain Rocket, were known for their speed and luxury amenities. However, as the demand for air travel and automobiles increased, the popularity of passenger trains declined. In 1978, the Rock Island Line ended all passenger service, and unlike many other railroads, did not join Amtrak. This made Rock Island one of the last class 1 railroads to operate intercity passenger service.
Significant accomplishments and innovations
The Rock Island Line was known for its many innovations. The railroad’s Mississippi River Bridge, which was completed in 1898, was one of the longest and most significant bridges of its time. The Rock Island Line also had the largest fleet of 4-8-4 steam locomotives in the world, which were used to haul freight across the Midwest and Southwestern United States.
Surviving infrastructure and locomotives
Despite the Rock Island Line’s dissolution, many of its buildings and infrastructure still exist today. The railroad’s former headquarters in Chicago, known as the “Rock Island Building”, is now a National Historic Landmark. There are a few roundhouses that still exist, one in Colorado Springs, another in Moline, Illinois. Additionally, the Iowa Interstate Railroad operates on much of the former Rock Island right-of-way.
In spite of the once large roster of steam engines, only four of them have survived. [with the rumor of on sunk in the Cimarron River] Rock Island was one of the Class 1 railroads to quickly dieselize, completing this in the early 1950’s
Surviving Steam Locomotives
| Engine | Type | Builder | Location |
| 905 | 4-6-2 | ALCO 1910 | Duncan, OK |
| 938 | 4-6-2 | ALCO 1910 | Illinois Railway Museum, Union Il. |
| 887 Numbered 886 | 4-6-2 | ALCO 1909 | Wheels O’ Time Museum, Dunlap, IL |
| 5 | 0-4-0ST | CRI&P 1884 | Santa Maria, CA |
| 628 | 4-4-0 | Sunk in Cimarron River OK |
In addition, there is an ex-RI tender in use as an auxiliary water tender used with the Pierre Marquette 1225, with the Steam Railroading Institute, in Owosso, MI, from a 5000 class 4-8-4.
Selected Surviving Diesel Locomotives
There are several Diesel Locomotives that have survived.
| Engine | Type | Location | Notes |
| 630 | EMD E6 | Manly, Iowa | Only surviving EMD E6 |
| 652 | EMD E8 | Manly, Iowa | Was the Rock Island bicentennial locomotive |
| 3 | EMD LWT-12 | Museum of Transportation, St. Louis County MO. | |
| 2 | EMD LWT-12 | National Railroad Museum, Green Bay, WI | |
| 4509 | EMD GP7 | Illinois Railway Museum, Union IL | Painted up in the blue paint scheme |
| 1223 | EMD GP7 | Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul MN | Painted up as Soo Line 559 |
| 743 | ALCO RS1 | Oklahoma Railway Museum, Oklahoma City, OK | |
| 1275 | EMD GP7 | Eldon Depot Museum, Eldon IA |
Riding the Line Today two commuter lines and tourist line
Two commuter lines operate over portions of the former Rock Island. The Metra Rock Island District, which operates between Chicago and Joliet Illinois, and Trinity Railway Express which runs between Dallas and Fort Worth Texas, also operate over former Rock Island tracks. Additionally, the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, a tourist line in Abilene, Kansas, operates on a former Rock Island branch and offers excursions on vintage rail cars. One of the successors, Iowa Interstate, also runs excursions on an irregular basis, using one or both of their Chinese made 2-10-2 QJ steam locomotives.
Chicago Metra Rock Island District
The line runs between Chicago an Joliet.
Trains run rather frequently, weekends and weekdays.
Typical fare is $2.00 one way, $6.00 day pass
Trinity Railway Express
The line runs between Dallas EBJ Union Station, and Fort Worth T&P Station.
A dau [ass tp rode costs $6.00.
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
The A&SV RR offers several ride options. They own AT&SF 4-6-2 #3415, which had been operating until 2022.
Iowa Interstate, which owns two Chinese 2-10-2 steam locomotives, runs excursions once in a while over portions of their mainline. Check our their website, or keep an eye here to see if and when they offer excursions.
Note: This is the authors favorite railroad. Growing up near the Rock Island in the 1960s and 70s, I can remember seeing the maroon, or red and yellow, or blue and white diesel locomotives. The Rock was one colorful railroad, to say the least. Sadly economics can rule businesses to extinction.
