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Dodgeville, Wisconsin had multiple railroad lines, including the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, the Illinois Central Railroad, and the Freeport, Dodgeville & Northern Railroad.

Chicago & Northwestern Railroad
Built a depot in 1881, connecting Dodgeville to Madison and farming communities the line was abandoned in parts, and the abandoned line was converted into a recreational trail.

Illinois Central Railroad
Built a station in 1888, providing a more accessible route from downtown Dodgeville to points south The branch line from Red Oak, Illinois to Dodgeville, Wisconsin was in service from 1887 to 1942

Freeport, Dodgeville & Northern Railroad
Built the route from Freeport to Dodgeville, which was completed in 1888
The company was incorporated in both Illinois and Wisconsin in May 1887

The Freeport, Dodgeville & Northern Railroad was an 1887-incorporated rail line connecting Freeport, Illinois, to Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Completed in 1888, the route operated as a vital branch line for the Illinois Central Railroad until it was abandoned and the tracks were removed by the government in 1942.

Route & History

Construction: The line was incorporated in May 1887 as two separate corporations (one in Illinois, one in Wisconsin) before consolidating with the Chicago, Madison & Northern Railroad in 1888.

The Route: The track began at a junction in Red Oak, Illinois, and followed the Pecatonica River north to McConnell and Winslow. It crossed the state line into Wisconsin, passing through small communities like Martintown and Blanchardville before terminating in Dodgeville.

Operations: The route was leased to the Illinois Central Railroad and eventually conveyed to them entirely in 1903. It served as a vital agricultural and passenger connection for the region until mixed-train passenger service ended and the line was abandoned during World War II.