The company was incorporated by the territorial legislature in 1856 to build rail lines linking existing communities in central and southern Minnesota. It built a 66-mile line from St. Cloud to Hinckley in 1882 and was acquired by GN operating predecessor, the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railway, in 1883. In 1889 the company's name was changed to the Great Northern Railway Company.
From the description of Corporate records, 1856-1945, 1968 (bulk 1856-1883). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 313845003