November 18, 1838 The Northern Cross Railroad, the first railroad in Illinois, opens between Meredosia on the Illinois River and Morgan City. It will become the oldest part of the Wabash system.
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November 18, 1863 President Lincoln and his Cabinet leave Washington on a four-car special train to Gettysburg, PA to dedicate the national cemetery.
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November 18, 1883 The railroads in the United States and Canada agree to a system of standard time, replacing the confusing and unsafe practice of each locality setting its own "sun" time. The system will take effect the following spring. However, it will not be until 1918 that Standard, or "Railroad" time is made the official U.S. system.
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November 18, 1889 The Oahu Railway begins service.
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November 18, 1901 First day of operations, Louisville, Anchorage & Pewee Valley Electric Railroad (KY).
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November 18, 1921 The Osage Railroad (OK) is incorporated.
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November 18, 1946 The Pennsylvania Railroad announces it has developed a "Carryphone" walkie-talkie that works with its inductive train phone system. The "Carryphones" have been developed by PRR and Union Switch & Signal Company. They debut between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh and on Bel-Del Branch. The portable units weigh roughly 25 pounds.
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November 18, 1981 Conrail (ex-NYC) and Grand Trunk Western operations through downtown Battle Creek MI are consolidated onto the GTW tracks.
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Mark Tomlonson
