The rise and fall of the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railway from 1887 to its merger with the Soo Line in 1961 is the subject of this thoroughly researched book. The DSS&A was organized in the hope that it would become a transcontinental link between the Canadian Pacific at the Sault and the Northern Pacific at Duluth, with the major route taking passengers from the Twin Ports of Duluth-Superior through Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to St. Ignace. The line was forced to merge because of competition from more efficient lake vessels on Lake Superior, which could carry goods of lower value at much better rates than the DSS&A.
John Gaertner's account draws on a wide array of sources, such as the Soo Line records at the Minnesota Historical Society in St. Paul, the Michigan State Archives at Lansing, the Burton Historical Collection in Detroit, and local newspaper accounts. A compelling read for history buffs and railroad enthusiasts alike.
US
First illustrated full-length history of the DSS&A
John Gaertner is a native of St. Paul, Minnesota. He is author ofThe North Bank Road,a history of the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Anyone with an interest in the iron ore roads or the Soo Line in particular will want this book.March 1, 2009
This excellent presentation is a must read for any Michigan railway enthusiast.March - April, 2009
This is a solid job of scholarship and makes a number of important contributions to the field of railroad history.
Just the right length to be both a reference book for a historian, and a book read by someone who would have a general interest in railroad history.
Contents
Introduction
1. Strap and T Rails to the Iron Mountains
2. Irresolvable Conflicts Create the Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon
3. The Mackinac Road
4. Formation of the Duluth, South Shore and AtlanticCanadian Pacific Seizes Power