The Pleasanton Nebraska branch of the Union Pacific Railroad extended southwestward along the South Loup Valley from Boelus to Pleasanton for 22.42 miles. Construction from Boelus to Nantasket was completed in 1887 and reached Pleasanton in 1890. The line was projected to Callaway and beyond, and some grading was completed between those two points, but no rails were laid past Pleasanton. In 1947, declining revenues, coupled with a disastrous storm that caused flooding along the South Loup River and obliterated the line, brought about its sudden end.