Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1902 — OVER 200,000 MILES OF RAIL. [ARTICLE]

OVER 200,000 MILES OF RAIL.

Constant Growth of the United States' Railway Mileage. The railway mileage of the United States has passed the 200,000 mile mark. The figures at the close of 1901 were approximately 199,525 miles, and the construction for the first six months of 1902 brings the total up to 201,839 miles, fht track laid during the first half of this year on 155 lines aggregating 2,314 miles. This is nearly 500 miles in excess of the new mileage for the first six months of 1901, when 1,817 miles were built. Ths total for the twelve months last year was 5,222 miles, and if the same ratio Is maintained this year it will readily bs seen that the construction for 1902 will easily exceed 6,030 miles. Tracklaying thus far this year has been distributed throughout forty-one States and Territories, the following States reporting no new mileage, although lines are under construction in all of these with the exception of two or three New England States: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, Wyoming, Nevada and Idaho. lexas shows the largest new mileage with 236 mile*. Oklahoma and the Indian Territory are tied for second place, with 211 miles each, and New Mexico la fourth with 190 miles.. Other States showing 100 miles or over are: Arkansas, 136 miles; Georgia, 125; Louisiana, 102, and Illinois, 1()0, Florida being near the 100 mile mark with 97 to her credit.