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Missouri Interurbans and Streetcar Railroads

(Please note that the photos here do not depict Missouri interurbans.)

Surprisingly, there were few Missouri interurbans, especially for a region that had a fair number of such systems. For instance, both Kansas and Oklahoma where home to several interurbans scattered around each state. Additionally, the bordering states of Iowa and Illinois, particularly the latter were both home to thousands of miles of interurbans. Much of Missouri's true interurban network was based around the Kansas City region, serving Kansas as well. However, interestingly, while St. Louis was home to several streetcar systems the only interurban to actually serve the city was the famed Illinois Terminal Railroad whose entire network was located in its home state. Missouri's notable interurbans included the St. Francois County Railroad, Mexico Investment & Construction Company, and the systems located around Kansas City.

At least two of Missouri's lines were able to build up a fair amount of freight business but the rest died out along the industry in general during the 1920s and 1930s. In any even, the information below includes short paragraph descriptions of most Missouri interurbans and streetcar railroads. Please note that some of the systems which operated into Missouri are included on the Kansas state page, such as the Southwest Missouri Electric Railway and Joplin & Pittsburgh Railway. To learn more about the history of these lines please click here.

Joplin Street Railway: The Joplin Street Railway served the City of Joplin, as its name implied. The railroad operated under several different names following the Joplin Street Railway such as the Joplin City Electric Railway, Joplin & Galena Electric Railway, Southwest Missouri Electric Railway, and Southwest Missouri Railway. Streetcar service remained until 1940 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.

Kansas City, Clay County & St. Joseph Railway: The Kansas City, Clay County & St. Joseph Railway began operations in 1913 connecting Kansas City, St. Joseph and Excelsior Springs. It remained in operation for twenty years before abandoning streetcars in favor of buses.

Springfield Traction: Springfield Traction was the third company to operate a railroad originally built by the Citizens Railway, which began operations in 1880. Springfield Traction took over in 1895 and was the final company to operate the line although it did come under different ownership during this time (the Federal Light & Traction Company and Cities Service Company). Streetcar service survived until 1937 when it was discontinued in favor of buses.

St. Joseph & Savannah Interurban Railway: The St. Joseph & Savannah Interurban Railway began operations in 1911 connecting St. Joseph and Savannah on an 11-mile railroad. It remained in operation until the late 1930s when the service was discontinued.

St. Francois County Railroad: This interurban was the state's only located in its region. It opened on December 22, 1904 connecting De Lassus, Flat River and Farmington. The line was able to establish interchange service with the Missouri Pacific allowing it to develop some carload freight traffic. This business allowed the company to remain in business after passenger service was discontinued in 1927. It eventually converted to diesel locomotives and remained in operation until 1957.

Mexico Investment & Construction Company: The MI&C opened in 1915 serving Santa Fe, Mexico, Perry, and Molino on a system that stretched 25 miles. It was never very profitable from the outset due to the small towns it served and only remained in operation until 1918 when operations were abandoned and sold for scrap.

Kansas City, Clay County & St. Joseph: The KCCC&SJ, despite its name was situated primarily in Missouri. It connected Excelsior Springs, Kansas City, and St. Joseph and was the state's largest interurban by far. It originally opened in 1913 operating a system covering 158 miles. It was fairly profitable until the Great Depression when it was hit hard by the loss of traffic. By March, 1933 the entire operation was abandoned.

St. Joseph & Savannah Electric Railway: The StJ&S's only connection to the outside world was through the KCCC&SJ at St. Joseph. It operated an 11-mile system that also served Savannah, opening in 1911. Operations remained until the mid-1930s.

St. Louis, St. Charles & Western Railroad: The St. Louis, St. Charles & Western Railroad served the St. Louis area beginning operations in 1902. Its time was short as it was taken over by the Missouri Electric Railroad in 1908.

For a small gallery of photographs highlighting Missouri interurbans and streetcar railroads please click here.

Please Click Here To Return To The Main Interurbans Section

For more reading on Missouri interurbans consider picking up a copy of the book The Electric Interurban Railways in America by authors George Hilton and John Due. Many consider their book to be the quintessential resource guide to the interurban and streetcar railroad movement that was once so common in our country during the first half of the 20th century. At nearly 500 pages the book is stuffed full of information on trolley operations and covers virtually every topic on the subject. If you have any interest in trolleys and interurban railroads and/or would like to learn more about their history I would strongly consider Mr. Hilton and Mr. Due's book first before purchasing any other. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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