[1][2] The completed rail line formerly connected Puyallup to Palmer Junction via Buckley.

[3][4] In 1984, the former Northern Pacific Main Line over Stampede Pass (the Stampede Subdivision) as well as the Buckley Line were mothballed as redundant by the railroad's successor company, the Burlington Northern.

While the Stampede Subdivision would be reopened again some 15 years later, the Buckley Line fell into disuse.

A roughly 30 mile gap without rails exists between these two sections; built-over in several communities.

The Meeker Southern was established as a subsidiary of the Ballard Terminal Railroad to operate on the former Buckley Line.