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Missouri Interurbans and Streetcar Railroads

The information included here covers a general history of Missouri interurbans and streetcar railroads once operated throughout the state. Interurban systems were once a common form of transportation for many towns both large and small although they began to fall out of favor in the 1930s and 1940s for the common automobile as its technology and better highways became vastly improved and more reliable. While interurbans served a vital transportation purpose prior to reliable autos and highways from a historical perspective they are fascinating because of many small companies that popped up and also disappeared nearly overnight. During the peak of interurban operations in the country there were even several builders of motorcars including J. G. Brill & Company, St. Louis Car Company, Pullman-Standard, American Car Company, Standard Steel and the Jewett Car Company.

The information below includes short paragraph descriptions of most Missouri interurbans and streetcar railroads.

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. 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.

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.

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