St. Louis and Hannibal Railroad

Beginning in its early construction, it was largely financed and (later) owned by John Insley Blair, Blairstown, New Jersey (1802–1899), and Moses Taylor, New York banker (1806–1882).

This was a dual expansion in that track was extended from Oakwood into Hannibal and a brick depot was built at 501 S. Main Street in 1892.

In 1893 the St. Louis, Hannibal and Kansas City (Perry Branchline original name) merged into the StL&HRy.

So, in 1932 the lower end of the mainline (below Bowling Green to Gilmore) was abandoned to save the rest of the system.

Beginning in 1933, the StL&HRR began operating four Mack AD model railbuses to bolster passenger service.

The railroad was largely not very profitable during its entire life as it served a remote area with small revenues.

The building of hard surface roads (US Hwy 61), the ever-expanding Foster Bus Line routes, growing trucking industry and finally the personal automobile spelled its demise.