The Crawford County Midland Railroad Company was incorporated by Sligo on June 20, 1904, under the laws of Missouri.[1] On August 5, 1904, Sligo concluded an agreement with the Frisco regarding creation of the railway.[1] The line would be a standard gauge, single-line of trackage running to Sligo’s Cherry Valley iron mines located east of Steelville in Crawford County, Missouri, from a connection on the Salem Branch of the Frisco, about six miles.[1][2][3] Both parties would finance the line—with Sligo’s share being somewhat greater—and with Frisco supplying the rails and fasteners while Sligo supplied the labor and all other materials.[4] Road constructed started the same month, and was completed in June 1905.[4] The line was then placed in operation by the Frisco.[4]
The agreement provided that the ownership of the line would be vested in the Frisco after completion.[1] So, on June 20, 1905, the railroad conveyed its franchises and properties to the Frisco.[1]