By Railfan & Railroad Staff

NORTH CREEK, N.Y. — Part of the former Saratoga & North Creek Railway, a short line part of the now embattled Iowa Pacific empire, will go on the auction block in March. 

The railroad was built in the 1870s and eventually became part of the Delaware & Hudson. In 2011, Iowa Pacific acquired it and formed the Saratoga & North Creek, which run until 2018. The 27.9-mile section of track between North Creek and Tahawus, N.Y. is now being sold. One $700,000 stalking horse bid has been received and anyone interested in beating that will have to put up at least $750,000 or more. The sale will include track and associated infrastructure, including the North Creek depot, where President Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in after learning that President William McKinley has been assassinated. 

According to local media, at least four bids have been received. The stocking horse bid is from Revolution Rail, which has stated it would contract with SMS Rail Lines to handle the freight business. 

All bids must be received by February 23 and the auction will be held on March 3.