June 2, 1874

Articles of consolidation were filed to combine the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad, formerly the Cairo and Fulton of Missouri, and the Cairo and Fulton of Arkansas to create the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad. Before this time, the Cairo and Fulton had been operating two separate systems, one north and one south of the Arkansas River. Completion of the Baring Cross Bridge in December 1873 made it possible to unite the operation.