RRHX

  Detroit moves westward...

Michigan's Internet Railroad History Museum

 

1840's Overview

Key:

  • Railroad event or related event in Michigan

  • Important non-Michigan railroad event

  • Improvement in Technology         Mining.

  • Railroad built or extended

  • Railroad abandoned and/or removed

  • Economic panic or depression        Car ferries.

 

Info Sources

RRHX Home

MichiganRailroads.com

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  • Branch lines were not considered profitable by the state's main railroads.  Plank roads and stage lines acted as feeders for major rail lines.  [AAD]
  • Late 1840's:  The Michigan Central Railroads owned steam ships which transported passengers on Lake Erie and lower Lake Michigan.  This enabled travelers to go from New York to Chicago using the central railroad in between.  [AAD]
  • The job of "train butcher" begins - usually a young boy - who passed "ice cold water" out to passengers.  Later, they begin selling papers and candy on the trains.  [AAD]
  • Until 1840, almost all lumber produced in Michigan is used within the state.  After 1840, lumber began to be shipped to Chicago and Milwaukee and points west.  [BOM]