Wikipedia:WikiProject Trains/ICC valuations/Saint Louis, Belleville and Southern Railway

Interstate Commerce Commission, Valuation Reports, Volume 46

Saint Louis, Belleville and Southern Railway

Location and General Description of Property

The railroad of Saint Louis, Belleville and Southern Railway Company, hereinafter called the Saint Louis, Belleville and Southern, is a single-track line, from East St. Louis to Belleville, Ill., 11.009 miles.

Introductory

The Saint Louis, Belleville and Southern is a corporation of the State of Illinois, having its principal office at Chicago, Ill. The company is controlled by the Illinois Central through ownership of its entire outstanding capital stock. On the other hand, the records do not indicate that this company, itself, controls any common-carrier corporation.

The property of the Saint Louis, Belleville and Southern has been operated since June 1, 1896, by the Illinois Central.

Corporate History

The Saint Louis, Belleville and Southern was incorporated February 25, 1867, by special act of Illinois, as the Belleville City Railway Company. On March 25, 1895, the name was changed to Saint Louis, Belleville and Southern Railway Company.

Development of Fixed Physical Property

The records reviewed do not indicate the year or by whom the 11.009 miles of road was constructed. The line was not completed for operation until about 1893, when its right-of-way was acquired and the mortgage covering the property was executed. Prior to that time only certain rights and franchises had been acquired from the city of Belleville by ordinance for crossing certain streets.

Leased Railway Property

On May 23, 1896, the Saint Louis, Belleville and Southern entered into an agreement, effective June 1, 1896, with the Illinois Central, whereby its property was leased to that company for operation in consideration of a rental of $7,500 per annum and its proportion of maintenance expenses on a car basis.

On July 1, 1910, an amendment to the above agreement provided for the use of its tracks and facilities by the Illinois Central on condition that the lessee pay all maintenance expenses, taxes, and charges. While the lease is for an indefinite period, it is subject to termination on 10 days' notice by either party.