Twin Ports Trains

Written by Duluth author Tony Dierckins and Twin Ports railroad historian Jeff Lemke, Twin Ports Trains will cover the history of the railroads that served Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, including: Lake Superior & Mississippi (and its successor, the St. Paul & Duluth), the Northern Pacific, Omaha Road/Chicago & Northwestern, Eastern Minnesota, Great Northern, Duluth & Winnipeg, Duluth South Shore & Atlantic, Wisconsin Central, Soo Line, Milwaukee Road, and Duluth Winnipeg & Pacific—as well as smaller “service” railroads like the Lake Superior Transfer & Terminal. The book focuses on how and why each railroad came to the Twin Ports, what services they provided here, how they interfaced with local industries, and ultimately how they shaped the growth of both Duluth and Superior, affecting the population, economy, and—quite literally—the landscape. And thanks to the wonderful University of Minnesota Duluth Martin Library Special Collections and Archives, the Jim Dan Hill Library’s Lake Superior Maritime Collection at the University of Wisconsin Superior, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, and Jeff’s extensive collection of historic railroad photographs and ephemera, the book will be illustrated with hundreds of images: photos, advertisements, maps, and more.