Ashland in Ashland County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Soo Line Decapod - 950
Photographed by Luci j Baker Johnson, May 20, 2023
1. Soo Line Decapod - 950 Marker
When built in July 1900 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, engine 950 was the world's largest steam locomotive at a weight of 190,000 pounds with a tractive effort of 47,090 pounds. Originally numbered 600 by the Soo Line, it became the only decapod in the Soo Line roster and was put in service between Minneapolis, Minnesota and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It was sent to work the ore docks in Superior, Wisconsin in 1912 and was renumbered 950. It worked the docks until ore operations ceased there in 1929. It was then transferred to Minneapolis/St. Paul yard duties until 1942 when it came to Ashland to work the ore docks here. When steam operations were concluded in 1954 the engine was retired and in 1956 the 950 was donated to the City of Ashland. It was dedicated at a park located at Stuntz Avenue and US Hwy 2 on July 4, 1957. The 950 was moved to its present location in 1987. The 950 was moved to its present location in 1987 at the time of the Soo Line Depot restoration project.
Erected 1987.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1900.
Location. 46° 35.352′ N,
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Regionally, this marker is on Wisconsin’s North Shore. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, in the Corn Belt, and on Lake Superiors South Shore Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Security Savings Bank (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Doctor Edwin Ellis (approx. 0.6 miles away); Northland College (approx. 0.8 miles away); Schooner Lucerne (approx. 1.2 miles away); Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy (approx. 1.3 miles away); Radisson-Groseilliers Fort (approx. 1.7 miles away); Voices in the Mist (approx. 2½ miles away); Lands Along the Lake (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ashland.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2025, by Luci j Baker Johnson of Seattle, Washington. This page has been viewed 211 times since then and 42 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on May 14, 2025, by Luci j Baker Johnson of Seattle, Washington. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area, with good photos of the Decapod. • Can you help?
