K66, a K Class engine used on the Morgan line, with Fred Leal, driver, and another man standing on the train, for photograph

The railway to Morgan at the north west bend on the River Murray opened in 1878 and was an extension of the line to Kapunda. It carried freight from the paddle steamers such as wool and grain, later dried fruits from the irrigation colonies down to Port Adelaide and brought back to the river goods and equipment for the further development of the interior. The wharf was extensive and steam cranes were installed to expedite the shifting of cargo from the paddle steamers. Traffic on the railway grew quickly with up to six trains a day travelling between Port Adelaide and Morgan. The railway made Morgan the busiest port on the river.

Usage of the railway declined after World War II with the growing impact of road services and improved road conditions. The last passenger train to Morgan was in March 1965 and the line was closed in 1969 and the track removed soon after.

South Australian Railways History of railway construction and operation from 1854 [Adaide, 1970?]

Donovan and Associates Railway heritage of South Australia : a report commissioned by the National Trust of South Australia [Adelaide] : Donovan and Associates, 1992 part 2 (2) pp. 347-353

Boden, James L The historic port of Morgan and the north west bend [Mannum, S. Aust.]: Rod Williams, 1998

Ruediger, Wynnis J The Nor'West Bend story, River Murray Morgan, S. Aust.: W. Ruediger, 1986

History of the Morgan township

Train leaving Morgan, 1901

PS Ruby at Morgan wharf