Better transportation than wagons was urgently needed to access the newly formed mining district. During 1894 a narrow-gauge line, known as the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad was built at a cost of $500,000. The Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad extended and reached the district from the Arkansas River to the south in 1894. This was quickly followed by the Midland Terminal Railway coming from a connection with the Colorado Midland Railway to the north. This one was long and cost $25,000 per mile to construct. The two railroads, competitive at first, joined forces forming a monopoly. Mine owners with mills in Colorado City adjacent to Colorado Springs organized and built The Colorado Springs and Cripple Creek Railroad or Short Line traversing the south slope of Pikes Peak. The new railroad was able to force freight rates downward accelerating production.