Atlantic and Pacific Railroad
The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company was incorporated on July 27, 1866. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company and the St. Louis & San Francisco Railway Company joined in a partnership in 1879 to build the western section of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad Company under the original charter, from south of Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory, to San Francisco and other California points on the 35th Parallel Route.
In 1895, it was forced into receivership. In 1879, an agreement between the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad Company and the Atlantic & Pacific arranged for the building of a transcontinental railroad under the initial Atlantic & Pacific charter.
Through passenger service from the east began October 21, 1883. In 1895, at the time that the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company was chartered, the Atlantic & Pacific was retained, foreclosed and reorganized as the Santa Fe Pacific Railroad.
For additional information, see Keith L. Bryant, Jr. HISTORY OF THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND SANTA FE RAILWAY (New York: MacMillan, 1974).
Adapted from; Atlantic and Pacific Railroad
California Digital Library
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Whipple Expedition
Tribes of the 35th Parallel
Trans-Mojave Railroad
Kingman
Needles
Santa Fe Railroad
Atlantic & Pacific Railroad
The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (A&P) was a significant railroad in the United States that played a crucial role in the development of the regions it served, especially in transporting goods and people across vast distances. Here are some key aspects of its history:Founding and Purpose
The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1866 to span the southwestern part of the United States from Springfield, Missouri, to the Pacific Ocean. The railroad's creation was part of a broader push to improve transportation infrastructure across the country and to facilitate westward expansion.Construction and Challenges
The construction of the A&P Railroad was fraught with difficulties, including financial problems, rough terrain, and conflicts with Native American tribes. The railroad's construction progressed in sections, but financial troubles often halted progress.Connection with Other Railroads
The A&P was initially intended to connect with the Southern Pacific Railroad to create a continuous transcontinental route. However, due to various complications, including financial issues and competing interests, this connection was delayed. The A&P eventually became part of a larger network of railroads that contributed to the development of the southwestern United States.Impact and Legacy
The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad had a substantial impact on the areas it connected, contributing to the economic development of towns and cities along its route. It facilitated the movement of goods, such as livestock, crops, and minerals, which were crucial to the economy of the region.Decline and Absorption
By the late 19th century, the A&P faced increasing financial difficulties and competition from other railroads. It went through several reorganizations and eventually became part of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. This absorption marked the end of the A&P as an independent entity, but its tracks and routes continued to be an important part of the rail network under new management.The legacy of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad is still visible in various forms, including some of the historic routes that are still in use today and the communities that grew around its stations.
