The Iowa Central Air Line Rail Road, also derisively known as the "Calico Railroad", is a historic railroad that operated in Iowa. The railroad operated from Lyons, Iowa to Council Bluffs, Iowa and was organized in 1853. Iowa residents purchased stock and Iowa counties voted bonds to help build the road. Early in 1854 work on the track between Lyons and Iowa City was begun and progressed rapidly. The railroad company had a store at Lyons, and the goods (including a supply of calico) were distributed in partial payment to the workers; hence the nickname.