Columbus in Cherokee County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Three-Way Interlocking Crossing
Photographed By Gary D. Carter, March 23, 2006
1. Three-Way Interlocking Crossing Marker
The crossing, formerly located in the northern part of Columbus, was donated to the City of Columbus by the Burlington Northern Railroad. At the time, the switch was constructed, it was one of the three built; one in Hamburg, Germany, destroyed during the war, and one in Pennsylvania which was removed within a short time. The crossing before you is the only one remaining.
The Columbus Wye, as the crossing was called, was well known by those familiar with the railway system. It was listed in every railroad exchange in the United States, showing which rail was used to reach the proper destination.
When the crossing was installed, it had 90 lb rail. When diesel engines came on the scene in 1958 it was changed to 115 lb rail to handle the additional weight. The original crossing held up until 1968 when it was replaced with an exact replica, and was in use until 1981 when it was replaced with a two-way crossing.
Erected by Columbus Lions Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.
Location. 37° 10.227′ N, 94° 50.323′ W. Marker is in Columbus
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Robert Alexander Long (approx. ¼ mile away); Columbus State Bank 100th Anniversary (approx. ¼ mile away); Cherokee County WWI Veterans Memorial Clock Tower (approx. ¼ mile away); The History of Columbus (approx. 0.7 miles away); 1932 Plymouth 0-6-0 Switch Engine (approx. 7.6 miles away); Southern Pacific Bay Window Caboose (approx. 7.6 miles away); Missouri Pacific Wooden Frame Depot (approx. 7.6 miles away); Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge (approx. 8.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
More about this marker. The Frisco Railroad caboose and original wye were orginally displayed at the City Park. They were moved to the museum complex to be more visible and capitalize on their historical value.
Regarding Three-Way Interlocking Crossing. This Columbus Wye, a three way switch allowing trains to turn around, is the only one remaining of its kind. With the Wye is the Frisco Caboose; itself unique in that it is one of 13 train cars converted into a caboose.
Photographed By John Nicolas, March 26, 2008
2. Frisco Caboose and Three-Way Interlocking Crossing Marker
Photographed By Gary D. Carter, March 23, 2006
3. Three-Way Interlocking Crossing
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., August 7, 2010
4. Three-Way Interlocking Crossing
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2008, by Gary D. Carter of King George, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,829 times since then and 819 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 20, 2008, by Gary D. Carter of King George, Virginia. 2. submitted on September 20, 2008. 3. submitted on September 20, 2008, by Gary D. Carter of King George, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 18, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
