June 29, 1864 A Grand Trunk immigrant train in Beloeil, PQ (near St-Hilaire) fails to stop for an open swing bridge. Ninety-nine people are killed in Canada¡¯s worst train wreck.
?
June 29, 1906 President Theodore Roosevelt signs the Hepburn Act, which increases Interstate Commerce Commission power over railroad rates in the U.S.
?
June 29, 1956 From his bed in Walter Reed Army Hospital, President Eisenhower signs the legislation creating the Interstate Highway System, 90% of the cost to be paid by the Federal government. The creation of this high-speed road network will profoundly change the shape of America, including the demise of intercity passenger traffic and less than car load and other types of freight on the nation's railroads.
?
June 29, 1973 The last passenger train between Detroit to Pontiac, Grand Trunk Western 999, leaves Brush Street Depot. Because tracks have already removed to make room for the Renaissance Center, passengers walk a block and a half from the concourse to board the train.
?
Mark Tomlonson
