June 12: The last student is transported by the Copper Range Railroad by rail for the Adams Township School district. [CRH]

December 6:  World War II begins after Pearl Harbor is attacked by Japan.

Car ferry City of Midland 41 placed into Lake Michigan service by Pere Marquette.  [PMHS]

Pere Marquette RR abandons line from Ionia to Kiddville, MI, 11.9 miles.   [PMHS/COHS-8/1997][I&L]

Only 3,000 of interurban railroad still exists, down from 15,000 in 1916.  [STOV]

Diesel locomotives are first used in intercity freight service.  [STOV]

The Electromotive Division is formed when General Motors merges Winton Engine and EMC into one corporation.  [SAM]

Passenger operations ends on the Manistique & Lake Superior.  [HH/MIHX8]