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Wisconsin Interurbans and Streetcar Railroads

The information included here covers a general history of Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin interurbans and streetcar railroads.

Eastern Wisconsin Electric Company: The Eastern Wisconsin Electric Company began operations in 1917 through the merger of the Sheboygan Light, Power & Railway; Fond Du Lac & Oshkosh Railway; and the Winnebago Traction Company. Together these systems served Shegoygan, Plymouth, Elkhart Lake, Fond Du Lac, Oshkosh and Neenah. Streetcar operations survived until 1927 when buses replaced rail service.

Wisconsin Traction, Light, Heat & Power Company: The Wisconsin Traction, Light, Heat & Power Company began operations in 1900 through the acquisition of the Fox River Valley Electric Company and Appleton Electric Light & Power Company. The interurban operations served Neenah, Appleton, and Kaukauna. It was renamed Wisconsin-Michigan Power Company in 1927 and a year later interurban services ended.

Wisconsin Public Service Company: The Wisconsin Public Service Company began operations in 1911 connecting Kaukauna and Green Bay. Most notable is the subsidiary, Green Bay Traction which served many parts of the port city on a 23-mile system. Streetcar operations survived until 1928 when buses replaced rail service.

Manitowoc & Northern Traction Company: The Manitowoc & Northern Traction Company began operations in 1902 connecting Manitowoc and Two Rivers on an 8-mile system. It came under different ownership twice first by the Wisconsin-Minnesota Light & Power Company and later by the Wisconsin Public Service Company. Streetcar operations ended in 1926.

Northern States Power Company: The Northern States Power Company of 1923 (which purchased the property), originally known as the Chippewa Valley Light Railway & Power Company incorporated in 1898, connected Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire on a 14-mile system. Streetcar service was abandoned in 1926.

Wisconsin Valley Electric Railway: The Wisconsin Valley Electric Railway began operations in 1909 connecting Wausau and Schofield on a 9-mile system. Interurban service was abandoned by 1926.

Bay View Street Railway: The Bay View Street Railway, opened in 1909, served a 1 1/2-mile system connecting northeast Green Bay with an amusement park. The system would become part of the Green Bay Traction Company.

Douglas County Street Railway: The Douglas County Street Railway was a little operation that began in 1892 soon after becoming the Superior Rapid Transit Railway. It became part of the Duluth Street Railway in August of 1900.

Other notable Wisconsin interurbans:

Beloit Traction Company

Chippewa Valley Electric Railway

Fort Howard Electric Railway (Served the area now known as Green Bay, beginning operations in 1894 and becoming part of the Green Bay Traction Company.)

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

For more reading on Wisconsin 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 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 interurbans 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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