aug 1, 1859 - Abraham Lincoln inspects M&M property

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Under the guidance of M&M attorney Norman Judd, Lincoln traveled to Council Bluffs to inspect M&M property during his investigation into the Rock Island Bridge case. Lincoln met with Grenville Dodge on the porch and discussed the placement of the Transcontinental Railroad. After their meeting, it was decided that the eastern terminus for the first Transcontinental Railroad would be placed there in Council Bluffs. However later on, Thomas Durant used his influence to change the location to Omaha, Nebraska, as he had significant landholdings and business interests there. Ultimately, Omaha's selection facilitated a smoother start to the construction of the transcontinental railroad and aligned with broader national interests in westward expansion.

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