The New York Central System was a combination of a number of

railroad companies in Michigan and throughout the northeastern and

midwestern United States which were owned by the Vanderbilt family interests.

The Vanderbilt interests began buying into control of dozens of Michigan railroads

in the 1860's.  Many roads were operated under the names Michigan Central (MCRR)

or Lake Shore and Michigan Southern (LSMS) but a few others retained their original operating name for many more years (CK&S is one example).

Around 1916, the Vanderbilt roads decided to begin consolidation of many of their roads under the name "New York Central Lines".  Many roads were reincorporated, operating divisions were consolidated and responsibility for branches were moved between divisions, and the NYC name began appearing on employee time tables.  Still, the Michigan Central Railroad name was officially used into the late 1940's.

By the 1950's the MCRR name was pretty much gone from public view.  NYC "Lines" was changed to New York Central "System" and this name was used in the 1950's and 1960's until the merger with the Pennsylvania Railroad created the Pennsylvania Central Transportation Company, or Penn Central.

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