Great Northern Railway (U.S.)
Former transcontinental railroad in the U.S., connecting the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest.
Last updated August 26, 2026
Overview
The Great Northern Railway was a major U.S. railroad founded by James J. Hill in 1889. It connected St. Paul, Minnesota to Seattle, Washington, and was the first transcontinental railroad built entirely with private funds without government land grants. In 1970, it merged with other railroads to form the Burlington Northern Railroad.
Products and positioning
A transcontinental railroad known for efficient operations and private financing
Product categories. Freight services · Passenger services
Flagship businesses
- Empire Builder train
Leadership
| Name | Title | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| James J. Hill | Founder and Presidentformer | 1889–1907 |
Recent events
- 1970Great Northern Railway merges to form Burlington Northern
大北方铁路与北太平洋铁路、芝加哥伯灵顿昆西铁路及斯波坎波特兰西雅图铁路合并，成立伯灵顿北方铁路。
M&A
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