Lot
4508 
(Chicago & Mississippi Railroad) Chicago & Miss. R.R., May "17", red route agent cds with manuscript day ties 3¢ dull red (11A) on cover to St. Louis Mo.; small edge tear and lower right corner clipped, otherwise Very Fine and exceptionally rare, Rarity IX. Towle No. 705-A-2 Estimate $500 - 750.
In July 1853, the first portion of the Chicago to St. Louis route was constructed by the Chicago & Mississippi Rail Road and contracted for 124 miles to Bloomington. By July 1st 1854 the full 256-mile road was operating to Alton and contracted as Route 13264 at $24,500 a year for twice daily service excluding Sundays. The final 25 miles of the route to St. Louis was undertaken by steamboat operated by the rail road company.
Realized: $675