The Evolution of Michigan's Railroads is the newest Gallery at RRHX - Michigan's Internet Railroad History Museum.

     The "Evolution" Gallery will map the progress of Michigan's rail construction from its start in 1836 as well as the subsequent abandonment of many lines over the years.  Individual maps will ultimately be provided for the Lower Peninsula, the Upper Peninsula, the City of Detroit, the City of Grand Rapids, and the Marquette mining district for each year, from 1836 to 2006.  You will be able to move from year to year.

     The primary data source for "Evolution" is Graydon Meints' book Michigan Railroad Lines, Volume I and II, published in 2005 by Michigan State University Press.  It is a wonderful, accurate and detailed listing of the construction and abandonment of all common carrier rail lines in Michigan, as well as the ownership of the lines and the periodic sale or transfer of ownership.  The books also have excellent county-by-county maps of these lines.  I highly recommend the purchase of these volumes by all serious rail historians.

     The fascinating aspect about this mapping project is that it will allow you to visually watch how the rail system evolved in this state.  As an example, you will be able to see the year-by-year competition by the "central" line and the "southern" line as they headed for Chicago.  You will be able to follow the various "plots" by other rail lines to get to Chicago as well - only to have the lines bought up by the competition.  You will be able to watch the making of Detroit and Grand Rapids as railroad centers.  Finally, we will plot out the railroads of the Marquette Range - clearly the most complex mix of railroad lines in Michigan. 

     The mapping of these lines is a complex project and over 750 maps will ultimately be posted.  I estimate that the project will take 2-3 years to complete.  We will be beginning with the Lower Peninsula in 1836 and will continue to post maps as time allows.  Please be patient and check back often to see the progress we have made.

Go To The Evolution of Michigan Railroads

     If you have questions or suggestions about this series of maps, please send me an email.

Dale Berry

Editor

RRHX - Michigan's Internet Railroad History Museum