Osage Railway
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Locale | Oklahoma |
| Dates of operation | 1922–1953 |
| Technical | |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Length | 16 mi (26 km) |
The Osage Railway (/ˈoʊseɪdʒ/ OH-sayj) was incorporated in 1921 to accommodate traffic from the oil fields located in the Osage Nation.[1] The first part of its mainline was constructed in 1922 from a connection with the Midland Valley Railroad at Foraker, Oklahoma, to the town of Shidler, Oklahoma, about 10 miles southwest.[2][3] The line was independently owned from the Midland Valley, but was jointly operated with the Midland Valley and two other lines as part of the Muskogee Roads.[1] Beginning July 2, 1923 and completing in early 1924, the Osage Railway's trackage was extended northwesterly from Shidler through Webb City to Lyman, Oklahoma, about another 6 miles.[4][5]
Oil production in the area began to decline in the late 1920s and the start of the Great Depression lowered demand and prices.[6] The railroad managed to survive for a time by prudent management, but the entire line was abandoned in 1953.[1][2]