Central Iowa Interurban

Before highways connected our communities, Inter-Urban electric trains zipped across the Iowa landscape, linking Des Moines, Colfax, Perry, and Woodward. Author Ron Sims takes us back on a journey detailing the life of this once vital electric short line railroad.

At the turn of the 20th century in Central Iowa, there was an electric railway recognized as a leader in the new field of interurban transit. Originating from the Des Moines streetcar system, the line used fast, efficient electric cars to move people and freight between Des Moines and the communities of Perry, Woodward, and Colfax.

An early proponent of carload freight transport, the Inter-Urban Railway used electric locomotives to pull freight to interchange with the steam railroads in Des Moines. That relationship ultimately allowed the line to survive after most electric railways had been abandoned, until it was purchased by the Chicago and North Western Railway.

The history in this book comes from the lifelong interest and research of Des Moines native Ronald D. Sims, and draws on the maps, rosters, and photos of his massive railroadiana collection. It traces the line from the first electric cars through the heyday of electric transit, to the end of passenger service in the 1940s, and on through the diesel freight years. Through mergers and purchases, part of the line is still operated today as part of the Union Pacific Railroad.

$50, or $60 with shipping & handling

Sponsored by the NRHS Iowa Chapter and the Iowa Railroad Historical Society.