United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

Union Pacific Railroad Company v. Hall, 91 U.S. 343 (1875)

Union Pacific Railroad Company v. Hall

91 U.S. 343

Syllabus

1. The initial point of the Iowa branch of the Union Pacific Railroad was fixed by the Act of Congress of July 1, 1862, 12 Stat. 489, on the Iowa bank of the Missouri River.

2. The order of the President of the United States bearing date the seventh day of March, 1864, established and designated in strict conformity to law the eastern terminus of said branch at a point

"on the western boundary of Iowa east of and opposite to the east line of section 10, in township 15, north of range 13, east of the 6th principal meridian, in the Territory of Nebraska."

3. The bridge constructed by the Union Pacific Railroad Company over the Missouri River between Omaha in Nebraska and Council Bluffs in Iowa is a part of tire railroad. The company was authorized to build it only for the uses of the road, and is bound to operate and run the whole road, including the bridge, as one connected and continuous line.

4. Private persons may, without the intervention of the government law officer, move for a mandamus to enforce a public duty not due to the government as such.