From Boom to Farewell: The Story of the Soo Line Railroad
On this day in 1887, the Soo Line Railroad, officially the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad, reached Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This milestone marked a transformative moment for the Northwoods, connecting the region to the outside world year-round, even during the frozen grip of winter.
Formed in 1884, the Soo Line primarily served as a freight railroad but also brought passenger services to the Northwoods. With its Laker passenger train, the Soo Line offered residents access to Minneapolis-St. Paul and connections to Chicago, making it an essential lifeline for commerce and travel in the region.
A Grand Arrival in Rhinelander
In 1886, the Soo Line reached Rhinelander, Wisconsin, constructing a depot, water tank, and roundhouse east of Thayer Street. On November 23, 1886, the first passenger train—a special convoy of two locomotives, six Pullman cars, and a dining car—arrived from Minneapolis. The event was celebrated with great fanfare: civic leaders, a marching band, and hundreds of residents greeted the dignitaries aboard, followed by tours and a formal reception at the Rapids House.
The Soo Line’s expansion continued rapidly, reaching Sault Ste. Marie by late 1887. For decades, the railroad became a vital part of daily life in the Northwoods, facilitating travel and trade.
The Decline of Passenger Service
By the mid-20th century, the rise of automobiles and airplanes began to eclipse railroads as the preferred mode of travel. Small carriers like the Soo Line faced mounting financial losses on passenger routes. In the 1950s, the decline became inevitable, and in 1960, the Soo Line discontinued its passenger service through the Northwoods.
On a frigid March 6, 1960, Train No. 7 made its final stop in Rhinelander at 1:40 am. A small crowd braved sub-zero temperatures to bid farewell. Unlike the grand arrival 74 years earlier, this last train was modest, consisting of a single locomotive, a mail car, a baggage car, and one coach. Only a few passengers disembarked, and the train departed quietly, marking the end of an era.
A Legacy Remembered
Though the Soo Line passenger trains are no longer a part of daily life, their legacy endures as a reminder of the transformative power of railroads in the Northwoods. From connecting isolated communities to celebrating civic pride, the Soo Line helped shape the region’s history.
Learn more about the rich history of the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
