[3][4][5][6] By the turn of the 20th century, Edward H. Harriman and James J. Hill were engaged in a "railroad war" for control of rail routes through this area to reach the Pacific Northwest.

After less than two years, CSPR notified the U.S. government in late 1999 that the second subdivision line to Grangeville could be subject to abandonment, citing lack of profitability.

[15][16] It made its formal request in May,[17] and it was approved by the Surface Transportation Board in September 2000; the last run to Fenn and Grangeville was on November 29.

[18][19] The tracks were to be removed shortly thereafter, but that was delayed as a new operator for the line was sought.When BG&CM stepped in to operate the second subdivision line in December 2002, it was originally only to extend from Spalding to Craigmont,[20] but a few weeks later decided to continue south, across Lawyer's Canyon to Cottonwood, stopping the salvage crews from going further north.

All locations in north central Idaho Source:[17] Passenger service on the main line along the Clearwater River to Stites and on the second subdivision to Grangeville was discontinued 70 years ago in August 1955.