Two Railroads in Elk Falls

[W. Gray]

"That paper [Independence Courier] says it will cost $400,000 to extend the L. L. & G. railroad to Elk Falls, and intimates that the people of the latter place will be compelled to wagon their goods from Independence for many years to come. The Courier need not worry itself; Elk Falls is not anxious for the L. L. & G. railroad, but proposes to have two roads, at least within as many years, and inside of five years will be a better town than Independence ever was."

Elk County Ledger, Howard City, Kansas, April 27, 1877.

The Elk County Ledger moved from Elk Falls to Howard City a year earlier. The Elk & Chautauqua RR, which became the Howard Branch of the Santa Fe RR was originally planned to terminate at Elk Falls rather than Moline. An extension of the line from Elk Falls/Moline to Sedan never happened.