Going . . Going . . Gone
The last major operation in the abandonment of the line into A1tura was the demolition of the high trestle near Bethany. Shown below in various stages of removal, the trestle was an impressive landmark for generations. The trestle and A1tura line were originally on the CGW's old line to Winona via Rollingstone, Minnesota City, a very scenic and rugged line, the latter of which forced its abandonment.
The high trestle is shown here as workmen began taking up the ties at the north end.
A crane takes down a section of bents as the trestle begins to disappear.
Timber! One of the last bents crashes into A Bit of CGW History. Thanks to L. M. Barnett, Division Superintendent for the pictures. (Roadmaster D.M. Tolstead was in charge of the demolition.)