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When was the Interstate Commerce Commission established?

The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was established in 1887. The U.S. Congress (the country's law-making body) created the ICC to regulate the rates and services of carriers who transport passengers and/or freight from state to state. With the expansion of the railroads during the 1800s, some farmers complained of unfair freight practices. Though some states tried to regulate freight services, controls were needed at the national level. The ICC had jurisdiction over trucking, bus services, water carries, delivery services, and even oil pipelines. By the 1990s this commission was considered unnecessary, however, and was disbanded on December 31, 1995.

Further Information: Gordon, John Steele. "R.I.P., ICC." American Heritage. May-June, 1996, pp. 22–23; Interstate Commerce Commission. [Online] Available

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