The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway (often abbreviated as AT&SF) was a major American railroad that operated primarily in the southwestern United States. Founded in 1859, it played a crucial role in the development of the region by connecting cities like Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe. The railway facilitated trade and travel, contributing to the economic growth of the areas it served. In 1996, the AT&SF merged with the Burlington Northern Railroad to form the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF), which remains one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America. The legacy of the AT&SF is evident in the continued importance of rail transport in the region.