March 8, 1855 The first train crosses the suspension bridge over Niagara Falls. Before this time, goods and passengers were ferried across the river. The bridge does not end the transfer, as the change in track gauge between lines in New York and Ontario remains, although the bridge itself has three gauges (56.5", 66" and 72"). The Bridge will allow the Michigan Central via the Great Western to reach markets in the east and will be a major selling point for the line. (Some sources say March 17)
?
March 8, 1884 The Mahopac Falls Railroad (later NYC) is chartered.
?
March 8, 1904 The Lucien cut-off, the causeway across the Great Salt Lake that has bypassed Promontory Summit, site of the Golden Spike Ceremony, is opened for service.
?
March 8, 1905 The Aurora, Elgin & Chicago (Later CA&E) begins operations from its 52nd Street terminal eastward into downtown Chicago and the Loop. (Some sources say March 9)
?
March 8, 1907 The Virginian Railway is formed. It is entirely controlled by Henry H. Rodgers of Standard Oil who is looking for a new outlet from the West Virginia coalfields.
?
March 8, 1910 "Ann Arbor Carferry No. 1" burns at Manitowoc WI.
?
March 8, 1924 New York Central President Alfred H. Smith is killed while riding a horse in Central Park. His horse had reared to avoid hitting another rider.
?
March 8, 1926 The Illinois Central installs the first electro-pneumatic car retarders in the United States at Markham Yard near Chicago.
?
March 8, 1933 The New Haven temporarily suspends the "Yankee Clipper" and "Merchants Limited" due to the Bank Holiday imposed by President Roosevelt.
?
March 8, 1933 The movie "42nd Street" opens at the Strand Theatre in New York City. The movie features an extended musical number taking place in the interior of a Pullman all-section sleeper, including scenes in the men's and women's dressing rooms. In addition, the studio has hired a special train, "The 42nd Street Special" to carry many of the leading actors from Hollywood to the premier.
?
March 8. 1941 The Nickel Plate's "Commercial Traveler" makes its final run in Ohio from Toledo to the Ohio/Indiana state line. Once the Toledo, St. Louis & Western's premier train, it is now a daily mixed train. Operation will continue for another two years in Indiana.
?
March 8, 1955 The New Haven introduces a piggyback car patterned after those on the French National Railways. It is nine inches lower than a standard car.
?
March 8, 1967 New York Central FA-2 #1102 becomes the last cab unit painted at NYC's Collinwood (OH) Shops.
?
March 8, 1968 The last Soo Line passenger train runs on the former Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic between Champion and Calumet.
?
Mark Tomlonson
