Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad stock certificate circa 1867 (Iowa)

Nice triple vignette of a herd of horses, wagon train next to a river, and Platt Smith (one of the founders). Unissued and not cancelled. Dated 18__ , circa 1867 from company records. Measures approximately 12.5 x 8 inches.   

The Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad was incorporated under Iowa laws on October 1, 1867. Platt Smith working closely with management of the Illinois Central Railroad formed the railroad as a subsidiary of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad. On July 8, 1870 a "golden spike" was driven three miles west of Storm Lake, Iowa signifying the completion of the 184-mile line. On October 27, 1888, the Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad was conveyed to the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad.

The first survey of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railway (later to become the Illinois Central) was made in 1857, but it was not until 1866 that the first train reached Iowa Falls. On April 15 there was a large crowd of people at the depot awaiting its arrival. A three-day celebration was held, with a special excursion train running from Dubuque to Iowa Falls on April 24. Both the Dubuque Herald and Dubuque Times carried stories of the celebration. Evening entertainment, dinner and dancing were held at Sayer's Hall. The following day the excursion returned to Dubuque where another grand celebration was held.

For two years Iowa Falls was the end of the rail line. In 1868 a bridge was built across the Iowa River at the site of the present bridge. By May 1869 the Iowa Falls and Sioux City Railroad Company had completed the track from Iowa Falls to Fort Dodge, and another celebration was held. The Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern reached Iowa Falls in September 1880. A daily passenger train from Iowa Falls to Cedar Rapids connected with east west trains. The coming of the B.C.R. & N. heralded good things for Iowa Falls. The town became both a freight and bridge division on the road, and a ten-stall roundhouse was built.

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