Fallen Flags: The Classic American Railroad
Last revised: October 26, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The term "Fallen Flags" describes those railroads whose corporate names have been dissolved through merger, bankruptcy, or liquidation. At one time the United States boasted nearly 140 Class I's.
- According to the Association of American Railroads, prior to 1956 this defined a carrier which earned at least $1 million in annual operating revenue. It has since been revised several times throughout the years. -
Today, many of these classic railroads are but a memory. The older folks reading this can remember those bygone days when corporations like the legendary Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, the mighty Pennsylvania Railroad, and prosperous Southern Railway all served America.
And, of course, who can forget our country’s first common carrier, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which survived for 160 years before disappearing into CSX Transportation in 1987.
There are many areas of the industry to study, ranging from locomotives to streamliners. However, few remain as popular, or as enjoyable, as the venerable "fallen flag." They defined the regions they served while providing invaluable transportation needs for local communities.
A handsome set of Santa Fe 'F' units, led by F3A #24-L, have train #20, the eastbound "Chief," at Victorville, California. Fred Worsfold photo. American-Rails.com collection.History
Most of the fallen flags remembered today were derived from systems originally built during the 19th century. Some railroads, such as our country's first common-carrier, maintained their original name for well over a century while others were brought about through either consolidation or reorganization.
The railroad may have been born in England but it quickly caught on in the United States. Following the early chartering of the B&O, Mohawk & Hudson, South Carolina Canal & Railroad Company, and others by 1835 the fledgling country had 1,000 miles of track in operation according to the book "Railroads In The Days Of Steam," published by the editors of American Heritage.
In addition, as John Stover's title, "The Routledge Historical Atlas Of The American Railroads," points out expansion was rapid; of the twenty-six states in the Union by 1840 only four did not contain a single mile of track (Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Vermont).
Through 1860 there had already been more than $1 billion invested in the industry (interestingly, $200 million of this total came via English or European interests), which then boasted 31,246 miles in service.
At A Glance
1939 - 132 1963 - 102 1978 - 41 1988 - 12 1997 - 9 Present Day - 6 |
|
Until 1956 - $1 million 1956 - $3 million 1965 - $5 million 1978 - $50 million 1997 - $256 million 2019 - $505 million Present Day (2021) - $900 million |
|
98% Intercity Passenger Business 77% Intercity Freight Traffic |
|
Source: Stover, John. Routledge Historical Atlas of the American Railroads, The. New York: Routledge, 1999.
The growth only continued after the Civil War as promoters pushed ribbons of rail westward, highlighted by the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in May of 1869. Construction quickened after this momentous event and peaked in the 1880's.
During that decade, as historian H. Roger Grant notes in his book, "The Corn Belt Route: A History Of The Chicago Great Western Railroad Company," the national network grew from 93,267 to 163,597 miles! It was the single greatest period of expansion.
Southern Pacific E9A #6050 has arrived at the Mission Bay Roundhouse and servicing facilities in San Francisco after making a run up the coast with train #75 (Los Angeles - San Francisco) in February, 1955. American-Rails.com collection.Classic American Railroads
The latter 19th century witnessed many fallen flags brought together while others, such as the Western Maryland and Virginian Railway, completed their systems in the early 1900's.
The classic American railroad as we best remember it survived until the 1970's, a decade that reached a crescendo of bankruptcies and mergers.
The government's severe regulations, dating back to the early 20th century, were largely to blame along with the railroads' difficulty in reducing crew sizes (even after technological advancements, including diesel locomotives, wireless radio, and computerization made such possible).
These issues were partially self-inflicted, a result of executive greed and hubris during the 19th century that led to much of the federal oversight.
Delaware & Hudson's southbound "Laurentian" crosses the Mohawk River at Cohoes, New York during February of 1968. Jim Shaughnessy photo. Author's collection.While the "Golden Age" officially extended from the 1880's until the Great Depression, ask most railfans the single greatest period and many would point to immediate post-World War II era, through the 1960's.
During this time, although in decline, the industry was still generally profitable while it made the switch from steam to diesel-electric technology.
In addition, numerous, vibrant paint schemes adorned first-generation diesels, built by the five major manufacturers (Electro-Motive, American Locomotive, Fairbanks-Morse, Baldwin, and General Electric).
Milwaukee Road "Little Joe" E-77 and a trio of SD40-2's lead an eastbound freight at rural Bruno, Montana on July 1, 1973. American-Rails.com collection.With a plethora of different emblems roaming the rails it was quite an era for anyone interested in trains. Because these many systems served a particular region it was not uncommon for local communities to call a railroad their own.
Examples here include the New York Central, Reading, New Haven, Western Pacific, Atlantic Coast Line, Missouri Pacific, and the list goes on of carriers serving either a block of states or specific area.
Following the mega-merger movement this is no longer the case as a single railroad can now extend from New York to Chicago or link San Francisco with St. Louis.
Rio Grande F7A #5644 in Denver, circa 1970. Robert Eastwood, Jr. photo. American-Rails.com collection.Through the many mergers over the years not every classic system has disappeared. The two most notable include Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern; the former has been an American institution for generations.
UP recognized the need to expand and grow as the merger movement picked up adding the Western Pacific, Missouri Pacific, Chicago & North Western, Rio Grande, Missouri-Kansas-Texas, and Southern Pacific to its network from the 1980's through mid-1990's.
In addition, the much smaller Kansas City Southern managed to survive as the smallest Class I system for decades. For many years this regional pike operated a system of less than 1,000 miles connecting Kansas City with the Gulf Coast.
It then rapidly grew during the 1990's as it expanded north into St. Louis and Illinois and south into Mexico. The KCS finally disappeared in April, 2023 when it joined Canadian Pacific to form the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad.
There are many other lesser known railroads which still carry on; names like the Ann Arbor, Florida East Coast, Susquehanna, Escanaba & Lake Superior, Iowa Traction, Louisiana & North Western, and others.
List
Northeast
Baltimore & Ohio Chicago Terminal
"Big Four Route" (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis)
Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh
Central Railroad Of New Jersey
Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail)
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western
Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad ("Ma & Pa")
New York, New Haven & Hartford
Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines
* This railroad is still operating, it is placed here because of its long and storied history.
** The REA was not an operating railroad but was an integral part of the industry during the "golden age" when these now-fallen flags were still operating.
Southeast
Atlantic & East Carolina Railway
Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway
Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis
Norfolk Southern Railway (Original)
Shamrock Coal Company's Oneida & Western
Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac
Tennessee, Alabama & Georgia Railway
West Point Route: Georgia Railroad/A&WP/WRoA
* This railroad is still operating, it is placed here because of its long and storied history.
Midwest
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
Chicago, South Shore & South Bend
Davenport, Rock Island & Northwestern
Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic
International – Great Northern Railroad
Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern
Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Line)
Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (Katy)
Monon Railroad (Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville)
New York, Chicago & St. Louis (Nickel Plate Road)
Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad (Panhandle Route)
St. Louis Southwestern (Cotton Belt)
St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco)
Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad
* This railroad is still in operation but is placed here due to its historical significance.
** Despite still being in operation the original TP&W is technically one of the many fallen flags presented here since it disappeared into the Santa Fe in 1983. The company was reborn in 1988.
West/Southwest
SPSF Railway (Santa Fe-Southern Pacific)
Northwest
Milwaukee Road's Pacific Extension
Canada
A beautiful set of Western Pacific FT's (#900/A/B/C) await their next assignments on Southern Pacific's "drill track" in downtown Elko, Nevada on June 13, 1946. According to Virgil Staff: "The famous paired trackage agreement, formalized between Western Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads on February 28, 1924 enables operation of all eastbound traffic over the Western Pacific and all westbound over the Southern Pacific. Between Wesco and bridge 633.47 where the Southern Pacific crosses underneath, the Western Pacific eastbound trackage lies to the north of the Southern Pacific. From bridge 633.47 to Alazon the Southern Pacific lies to the north and the Western Pacific to the south." Richard Kindig photo. American-Rails.com collection.Here within this page you will find information on some of the best remembered fallen flags, each described in much more detail, broken down into the territory where they operated.
Since the website debuted I have finally had the chance to feature many of these although I realize that some are still omitted. As time allows, I will try to cover most of these companies. As it currently stands there are already more than 100 such systems highlighted.
You may notice that Canadian National and Canadian Pacific are now included in the website. After giving it much thought the two lines have played too significant a role in our nation's railroad history, especially in its current and future state, to be left out and unmentioned.
For instance several are now of Canadian ownership/control such as the Soo Line (and indirectly the Milwaukee Road through the Soo's takeover by CP), Delaware & Hudson (today, partially owned by Norfolk Southern), Illinois Central, Grand Trunk Western, Central Vermont, and the Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific Railway.
Recent Articles
-
Amtrak’s Maple Leaf – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 07:29 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the strongest scenic stretches, border practicalities, and tips for a smooth New York–Toronto trip. -
Leadville Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 21, 26 02:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion, what to expect onboard, altitude considerations, and practical tips for a Leadville railroad day. -
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 01:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the best scenic stretches, practical travel notes, and tips for foliage and shoulder-season rides. -
East Broad Top Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 21, 26 01:05 PM
This guide covers the passenger experience, what makes EBT unique, practical planning notes, and how it fits into a broader Pennsylvania railroad trip. -
Best Steam-Powered Scenic Train Rides in the Eastern U.S. 2026
Jul 21, 26 11:25 AM
Discover the best steam-powered scenic train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026. From Cass Scenic Railroad Shays to Strasburg and other heritage steam operations — schedules, highlights, and tips. -
Best Steam Train Rides in America (2026): Top Scenic Steam Experiences
Jul 21, 26 11:23 AM
Looking for the best steam train rides in the United States for 2026? This guide ranks the highest-value scenic steam experiences—railroads where live steam is a core part of the product, not a once-a… -
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 21, 26 11:08 AM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion, special trains, what to expect onboard, and practical tips for planning a Cumberland-area railroad day. -
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 10:43 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the strongest scenic stretches, practical travel notes, and tips for a smooth multi-night trip. -
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 10:43 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the best coastal stretches, practical tips, and how to use the Surfliner as either a day trip or a link in a longer California rail itinerary. -
Ohio’s LM&M Bourbon Train: Whiskey Tasting on the Rails in Lebanon
Jul 20, 26 02:54 PM
Looking for a bourbon tasting that is not another distillery tour queue? The Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad (LM&M) in Lebanon, Ohio, runs adult-oriented Food & Drink trains—and its Bourbon Train is o… -
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: Classic Dining on the Rails in Bardstown
Jul 20, 26 02:44 PM
For travelers who specifically search “dinner train” (not wine tasting, not murder mystery, not Polar Express), Bardstown is still one of the first names that comes up—and for good reason. -
New Hope Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 02:30 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main scenic product, special trains, what to expect, and how to pair the ride with a day in New Hope. -
Mount Washington Cog Railway: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 20, 26 02:08 PM
This 2026 guide covers summit and shorter trips, steam vs. biodiesel power, what to expect on the grade, and how to plan around New England’s short, intense peak season. -
Heber Valley Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 01:41 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main scenic products, special trains, and practical tips for planning a Heber outing. -
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 20, 26 01:25 PM
This 2026 guide covers full-line and shorter trip options, what you will see, classes of service, and how to plan a full day on one of America’s great scenic trains. -
Amtrak’s City of New Orleans – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 20, 26 11:25 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, what to watch for, practical travel information, and tips for a smooth one-night trip. -
Best Dinner Train Rides in America (2026): Top Scenic Experiences
Jul 20, 26 11:13 AM
Looking for the best dinner train rides in the United States for 2026? This guide ranks the highest-value scenic dining experiences—trains where the meal is the main event, not just a snack bar—and po… -
Amtrak’s Auto Train – Complete 2026 Passenger Guide
Jul 20, 26 10:59 AM
This 2026 guide covers how the service works, what the ride is like, practical tips for vehicle loading, and who should choose the Auto Train over flying or driving the whole way. -
Tennessee - Tea Tasting - Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:55 AM
If you’re looking for a Chattanooga outing that feels equal parts special occasion and time-travel, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has a surprisingly elegant answer: The Homefront Tea Roo… -
Indiana -Ice Cream- Tasting Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:45 AM
The Indiana Rail Experience's "Indiana Ice Cream Train" is designed for everyone—families with young kids, casual visitors in town for the lake, and even adults who just want… -
Colorado *Wine Tasting* Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:43 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Georgia *Wine Tasting* Train Rides In Cordele
Jul 20, 26 10:22 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like… -
Kansas * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Ride
Jul 20, 26 10:14 AM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
New Hampshire * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 09:05 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
White Pass & Yukon Route: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 12:29 AM
This 2026 guide covers the main Summit Excursion and longer options, what you will see, and how to book around the short, intense summer season. -
Verde Canyon Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 12:10 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, classes of service, the best times to ride, and practical tips for a full half-day outing in the Verde Valley. -
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:55 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River style excursions, classes of service, peak seasons, and tips for pairing the train with a Smokies vacation. -
Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:54 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, classes of service, the best times to ride, and practical tips for a Cañon City / Colorado Springs / Pueblo area day trip. -
Strasburg Rail Road: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:52 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion product, what to expect onboard, special trains, and practical tips for a smooth family or railfan day trip. -
Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF): Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Jul 19, 26 08:12 PM
The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway was among the earliest and most influential American railroads to embrace diesel-electric motive power. -
America 250 Locomotive Celebration Set for August 28-30 at NCTM
Jul 19, 26 11:22 AM
The North Carolina Transportation Museum, Trains Magazine, and White River Productions have announced the America 250 Locomotive Celebration. -
West Virginia ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 11:08 AM
While D&GV is known for several different excursions across the region, one of the most entertaining rides on its calendar is the Greenbrier Express Wild West Special. -
Indiana ~ Whiskey Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:56 AM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a… -
Arizona ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:45 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Iowa ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:39 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Florida * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:34 AM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
New York * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:19 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides!" -
Georgetown Loop Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 04:15 PM
This 2026 guide covers the ride experience, mine tour add-ons, best seasons, and how to plan a smooth Denver-area railroad outing. -
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 02:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main National Park Scenic experience, bike-and-rail options, special trains, and practical tips for Northeast Ohio visitors. -
Conway Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 01:57 PM
This 2026 guide explains the main trip types, when to book for fall color, and how to plan a North Conway railroad day that fits families and serious scenery hunters alike. -
Cass Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 01:30 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main trips, what makes Cass different from ordinary tourist railroads, and how to plan around weather, grades, and peak foliage season. -
Best Scenic Train Rides in America (2026): Top Routes & Day Trips
Jul 18, 26 12:43 PM
There is no single “best” train—only the best match for your region, season, budget, and whether you want multi-day sleepers or a same-day steam excursion. -
Pennsylvania ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:38 AM
Today, EBT’s rebirth has introduced a growing lineup of experiences, and one of the most enticing for adult visitors is the Broad Top Brews Train. -
North Carolina ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:33 AM
If you’re looking for the most “Bryson City” way to combine railroading and local flavor, the Smoky Mountain Beer Run is the one to circle on the calendar. -
California ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:30 AM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Arkansas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:24 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
Pennsylvania ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:17 AM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
New Jersey ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:15 AM
There are currently no murder mystery dinner trains available in New Jersey although until 2023 the Cape May Seashore Lines offered this event. Perhaps they will again soon! -
USDOT Releases Phase I Penn Station Service Optimization Study
Jul 17, 26 05:56 PM
The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration have released the Phase I report of the New York Penn Station Service Optimization Study. -
FRA Expands Automated Track Inspection Tests as CSX Begins Rollout
Jul 17, 26 05:48 PM
The Federal Railroad Administration has green-lighted a broader five-year waiver framework allowing freight railroads to expand Automated Track Inspection (ATI) technology on revenue track.
%20in%20February%2C%201955.%20%20American-Rails.com%20collection.){kind=link}
%20await%20their%20next%20assignments%20on%20Southern%20Pacific's%20%22drill%20track%22%20in%20downtown%20Elko%2C%20Nevada%20on%20June%2013%2C%201946.%20Richard%20Kindig%20photo.){kind=link}