Memphis, Kansas & Colorado Railway Stock Certificate.
The Memphis, Kansas & Colorado Railway Company was organized in 1877 to secure a road from Cherokee, Kansas, on the Fort Scott & Gulf road, to Parsons, Kansas, with a view to its extension both ways. The company was formed early in 1877. Parsons first voted $10,000 to aid this enterprise, and subsequently, after a protracted discussion, some favoring the project and others opposing making any donation, it was voted to take stock to the amount of $30,000, the bonds to be delivered upon the completion of the road into Parsons.
Neosho Township voted $5,000 in bonds. In April 1878, the track-laying commenced from Cherokee west, and on July 1, 1878, at 10:00 p.m. o’clock, the first train arrived in Parsons. The officers of Parsons refused to deliver the bonds, citing that the road was not completed by the time specified in the contract. Litigation ensued, and the Supreme Court ultimately determined that the city was not liable and that the bonds were never delivered.
In February 1880, this railroad was sold to the Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Gulf Railroad, and steps were taken to extend it from Parsons to Cherryvale. No municipal aid was voted along the line, but the people of Cherryvale secured the right-of-way as an inducement to its construction. The road from Cherokee to Cherryvale was narrow-gauge. However, the line was converted to standard gauge in 1882.
The parent company and its branches were consolidated as the Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Springfield Railroad Company in 1888.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of Kansas, updated February 2026.
Also See:
A Century of Railroad Building
Railroads & Depot Photo Gallery
Sources:
Case, Nelson; History of Labette County, Kansas, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, Ill. 1901.
Missouri State Historical Society