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Dakota Datebook
February 8, 2004
"World's Shortest Interstate"
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The worlds shortest interstate streetcar line
used to run between Wahpeton and Breckenridge. The route was .14 miles
long, transported about 750 passengers a day, and ran from 1910 to 1925.
It traveled about 15-20 miles per hour and provided one of the earliest
means of traveling between the two towns. A few pieces of the rail are
still visible in the sidewalk outside the streetcar garage that still
stands in Breckenridge. There were always two streetcars running simultaneously;
a round-trip loop took 30 minutes.
On weekend evenings, business picked up as passengers
made their way to dances or movies across the river. The fare was 5¢,
then later 7¢, but they say the company was mostly financed by Breckenridge
liquor joints. North Dakota was dry at that time, but Breckenridge had
11 bars and dancehalls.
One of those nightspots was aptly named The First
and Last Chance Saloon.

This text and audio may not be copied
without securing prior permission from North Dakota Public Radio.
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Dakota Datebook is a project of North Dakota Public
Radio, in partnership with the State
Historical Society of North Dakota, with funding from the North
Dakota Humanities Council. Hosted by Merrill Piepkorn, written by Merry
Helm, and produced by Bill Thomas.
North Dakota Public Radio is a service of Prairie
Public Broadcasting in association with North
Dakota State University and the University
of North Dakota.