The Railroad That Built Hartford

When the Milwaukee & Lacrosse Railroad reached Hartford in 1855, it transformed a small village into a bustling hub. The first train brought new people, new goods, and new opportunities. Lumber mills, tanneries, and the Hartford Plow Works flourished. Even after the railroad’s financial collapse in 1861, the tracks remained, and the Chicago & Northwestern Railway eventually took over, cementing Hartford’s place on the map.

Today, the spirit of the steam era lives on through the Soo Line 1003, a 1913 steam locomotive restored and maintained by volunteers at the Steam Locomotive Heritage Association. Occasionally, 1003 steams out of Hartford for excursions, reminding us of the power and romance of the rails.

In 2025, a Wisconsin & Southern train derailed near Hartford, but local rail heritage continues strong. Visit our railroad exhibit to learn more about the men and machines that made Hartford move.