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January 13, 1842 The Philadelphia & Reading (later Reading) opens for revenue freight and passenger service from Mount Carmel to Philadelphia. Its coal-hauling operations will prove that a rail road can compete with a canal for heavy freight service. January 13, 1882 A rear end collision at Spuyten Duyvil kills Webster Wagner of the Wagner Car Company, operator of a fleet of sleeper cars. January 13, 1918 The Presidents of 70 different railroads meet at Grand Central Terminal to formulate a demand that Congress declare that Government control of the railroads is only for the duration of the war. January 13, 1928 The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul is reorganized into the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific. January 13, 1929 Chicago Great Western places a three-car trainset made by McKeen in service between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Rochester, serving the Mayo Clinic. January 13, 1930 Robert M. Davis of McGraw-Hill Publishing buys a single ticket at New York City's Penn Station for a 35-city tour. The ticket is a record 83 inches long. January 13, 1941 Freight motor no. 717 departs southbound with the last electric freight train from the Commerce Dr. freight terminal in Ft. Wayne IN. Its counterpart from Indianapolis will arrive at the freight terminal at 5:30 a.m. the next morning. This closes out electric freight service entering Ft. Wayne from all except the north line. January 13, 1947 The Nickel Plate Road orders 4 BL-1 diesel locomotives from EMD. The model will be upgraded to BL-2 by EMD after the order has been submitted. Six months later EMD will not have started construction of the locomotives and NKP will cancel the order. January 13, 1952 The "City of San Francisco" is trapped in snow on Donner Pass. Passengers will be stranded in the train until January 16. January 13, 1986 In the worst rail disaster on the African continent, an Ethiopian passenger train plunges into a ravine, killing 428. January 13, 2021 Grand Trunk Western 4-6-2 5030 is sold to the Colebrookdale Preservation Trust in Pennsylvania. The locomotive had been on display in a park in Jackson MI since the late 1950’s. The Trust plans to restore the locomotive to operating condition. Mark Tomlonson

January 10, 1863 London's first subway begins operation, powered by steam. Parts of the line have been built in cuts and many ventilators are installed in the covered portions, yet it will remain very smoky until electric propulsion is adopted. January 10, 1864 The Indiana Central Railway, the Richmond & Covington Railroad and the Columbus & Indianapolis Railroad sign an agreement for the joint operation of their properties. This forms a railroad line between Columbus and Indianapolis via Bradford OH and Richmond IN. The new line, later part of the Pennsylvania Railroad will be known as the "Great Central Line". January 10, 1872 Michigan's first Grange, a political and social group directed to the needs of farmers, is organized. By 1875, 600 local Granges will form throughout Michigan. The Grange movement will become one of the leading lobbyists for railroad rate regulation. January 10, 1872 The first Pennsylvania Railroad coal car runs over the Northern Pacific Railroad from Duluth to Moorhead, MN. The car has been carried by ship from Erie PA. January 10, 1878 The New York Central & Hudson River Railroad begins running RPO's to Chicago, replacing all-mail trains. January 10, 1900 A carbarn fire destroys all 10 streetcars and a snowplow owned by the Holland & Lake Michigan Railway. January 10, 1940 Streetcar service ends in Wausau WI. January 10, 1953 The last trolley line in Indianapolis, the College line, is converted to bus, ending rail service. January 10, 1956 The Chicago Indianapolis & Louisville officially becomes the Monon. January 10, 2022 Railroading Heritage of Midwest America, owners of MILW 261, acquire the former shop facilities of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific in Silvis IL. The group plans to turn the shop into the largest historic railroad equipment restoration facility in the country. January 10, 2022 BNSF Railway announces it will be terminating the long-term lease of the former Northern Pacific line across Montana to Montana Rail Link and begin operating the line itself. The lease was to have expired in 2047. STB approval is needed before the new arrangement takes effect. January 11, 1859 The Atchison & Topeka Railroad (later AT&SF, BNSF) is chartered. January 11, 1868 The Sandusky & Cincinnati Railroad reorganizes as the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad (later Big Four, NYC). January 11, 1890 The Cincinnati, Saginaw & Mackinaw (later GTW) begins operation between Durand and Bay City MI. January 11, 1910 The Grand Rapids Street Railroad Company begins interurban service between Grand Rapids WI and Nekoosa. Grand Rapids will later change its name to "Wisconsin Rapids" and the traction company will follow suit. January 11, 1922 The van Sweringen brothers buy the Lake Erie & Western from the New York Central and align it with the Nickel Plate, which they also own. January 11, 1931 The Boston & Maine runs its first "Snow Train" for skiers and other winter vacationers. January 11, 1934 The new Dayton (OH) Union station is dedicated. January 11, 1955 The Monon enters the piggyback era. January 12, 1830 DeWitt Clinton Jr. reports to several New York businessmen on the cost of building a rail road from New York to New Orleans. The proposal calls for using stone sleepers north of Washington and wood pilings for the rest of the way. The cost is estimated at $11.8 million (2025: $415 million). January 12, 1883 The second U.S. transcontinental railroad, the Southern Pacific, is completed with a "Golden Spike" ceremony on the Pecos River High Bridge. (some sources say January 15) January 12, 1891 The first train of the Lowell & Hastings Railroad (later PM, C&O, Chessie, CSX) runs from Lowell to Grand Rapids MI. January 12, 1912 The Ann Arbor Railroad acquires control of the Manistique & Lake Superior. January 12, 1929 Seatrain service (railroad cars loaded on ships) begins between New Orleans and Havana. January 12, 1929 The Great Northern Railroad opens 8-mile long Cascade Tunnel, the longest in the United States. January 12, 1934 All interurban service in and around Lexington KY ends. January 12, 1

January 9, 1830 Ground is broken in Charleston, South Carolina for the South Carolina Canal & Rail Road (later SRR, NS). It will be the first railroad in South Carolina to use steam locomotives. In 1833 its 136-mile length will earn it the title of world's longest railroad. January 9, 1850 A freight train crew on the Pennsylvania Railroad that had earlier run into the rear of a passenger train is disciplined. It is the first mention of a wreck on the PRR. January 9, 1882 The first train from Cincinnati OH to Dayton on the Cincinnati Northern (narrow gauge, not the later NYC ancestor) leaves Cincinnati. It will not arrive in Dayton, however, until January 12th due to poor track work. January 9, 1882 The re-opened Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, now owned by Jay Gould and converted to standard gauge, opens between Huron and Massillon OH. January 9, 1891 The Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti Street Railway begins service using a small steam car. A trial run had been made on January 3. January 9, 1897 Today’s “Literary Digest” carries an article on the Fitchburg MA trolley system, which has fitted a former flatcar with traction motors, armor plate, two 6 pound (3 ? inch) cannons and one 18 pound (5 1/8 inch) cannon. The car’s designers christen it “The McKinley”, style it like a battleship, and hope that it will aid the navy in coastal defense against the Spanish fleet. Other than providing a campaign float for William McKinley’s Presidential bid, it never sees service. January 9, 1955 The departure of the 20th Century Limited from New York is broadcast live on the television show "Omnibus". January 9, 1969 The Canadian National pulls the Turbotrain from service due to problems operating in winter conditions. January 9, 2022 The last Budd R32 “Brightliner” runs on the New York City Transit system. They first ran in 1965, making them the longest-serving type of subway car in the world. January 9, 2022 In Pacoima CA, a pilot of a Cessna 172 makes an emergency landing on a city street. The plane and pilot come to rest on a grade crossing. Rescue workers free the pilot moments before the plane is struck by a Metrolink train. No one is hurt. Mark Tomlonson

January 8, 1855 The first through train runs from Chicago to Cairo, IL. January 8, 1855 A mob in Erie, PA tears up the tracks of the Erie & North Eastern, the last battle in the "Gauge War". January 8, 1863 Ground is broken for the Central Pacific Railroad in Sacramento CA. January 8, 1872 James Fisk of the Erie Railway is shot and mortally wounded by Edward Stokes, a blackmailer and rival in a love triangle. January 8, 1887 The Kansas City Suburban Belt Railroad (later KCS, CPKC) is incorporated. January 8, 1902 Two trains collide in a smoke-filled tunnel under Park Avenue in New York City, killing 17 and injuring 38. Public outcry following the accident will lead to the banning of steam engines in lower Manhattan and the building of Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station. January 8, 1923 The van Sweringens acquire the Chesapeake & Ohio. January 8, 1937 The Beech Grove (IN) Traction Company shuts down at 1:00 a.m. Its electric supplier, Indianapolis Railways, terminates electric service due to Beech Grove Traction owing almost $30,000 ($671,000 in 2025 dollars). It has been rumored that employee's pay consisted partly of BGT trolley tokens. January 8, 1954 The Sunset Limited becomes the first train to use the new New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal. January 8, 1956 Steam locomotive servicing at New York Central's Jackson MI shops officially ends. January 8, 1957 The New Haven's "Dan'l Webster", a "Train X' built by Pullman-Standard, makes its first public appearance. During the run the trailing unit catches fire due to a problem with a third rail shoe. When the damaged cars are towed home they derail, blocking the tracks and delaying rush hour trains. January 8, 1962 In the worst railway accident in the history of the Netherlands, the driver of one passenger train misses a signal and collides nearly head on with another. The accident, which kills 91 people, takes places just outside Harmelen. January 8, 1962 The Interstate Commerce Commission begins hearings on the "Big John" grain rate case. The American Watercraft Operators et al. have protested the Southern Railway's proposed discounts for bulk shipments of grain. The ICC will sit in almost continuous session through August 29 to hear the case. It will be resolved with a ruling in favor of the railroad by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967. The decision is the first chink in the armor of regulated railroad freight rates. January 8, 1964 New York Central sells its Church Street Tower in Kalamazoo MI to Mr. Don Gilmore for $1.00 (2025: $10.21). Mr. Gilmore moves the tower from its downtown location to his farm in Barry County, where it is now on display as part of the Gilmore Car Museum. January 8, 1973 Pipe Major Gordon Speirs is asked to restrict his bagpipe playing in Liverpool Street Station, London to just one minute in fifteen. Hired by the Scottish Tourist Board, his playing is alleged to “interfere with station business”. Mark Tomlonson

January 7, 1830 The first railroad station in the U.S. opens in Baltimore for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which today is opening its first segment of track. The first revenue rail passengers in the U.S. are carried behind horsepower and operation is irregular over the mile and a quarter line. January 7, 1840 Incoming Michigan Governor William Woodbridge recommends in his first message to stop all of the State's internal improvement appropriations. Illinois and Indiana have already dramatically cut back on their programs. January 7, 1872 The Northern Central Michigan Railroad (later LS&MS, NYC) begins operations between Jonesville and Albion MI. January 7, 1876 The Toronto Globe reports that Commodore Vanderbilt has gained control of the Canada Southern Railway. January 7, 1883 The Chicago, Kalamazoo & Saginaw (later MC, NYC, PC, CR (one section); MC, GT, CN (other section)) is incorporated. January 7, 1887 The Manistee & Northeastern (later PM, C&O, Chessie, CSX, TSBY) is chartered to build between Manistee and Traverse City. January 7, 1927 Seaboard Air Line opens its own route between West Palm Beach and Miami for passenger service, ending trackage rights over the Florida East Coast. It also adds an extension to Ft. Myers for passenger service. January 7, 1929 The "20th Century Limited" runs a record seven identical sections. Eight hundred twenty two people pay the extra $10 fare ($180 in 2024) to ride The Century. An automobile show in New York City gets the credit for this sudden increase in traffic. Combined with other special trains arriving for the show, a record 266 sleeping cars arrive at Grand Central Terminal between 5:00 am and 9:50 am. January 7, 1932 The Nicholas, Fayette & Greenbrier Railroad begins operations. It is jointly owned by the Chesapeake & Ohio, which switches its east end, and the New York Central Subsidiary Kanawha & Michigan which switches its west end. January 7, 1952 The last segment of the Reading Traction Company (PA) quits. January 7, 1961 In cooperation with the Atlantic Coast Line, the Pennsylvania Railroad begins running a solid train of TOFC equipment from Florida to Kearny NJ. January 7, 1969 A Long Island Railroad commuter is arrested for "Theft of Services" after refusing to show his ticket while riding in an unheated and unlit car. Five more commuters will be arrested for a similar protest on January 10. January 7, 1995 The Algoma Central Railway is purchased by the Wisconsin Central. (Some sources say February 1) January 7, 2002 Amtrak train 351 becomes the first in regular service to run at 90 mph (145 km/h) between Kalamazoo and Porter IN using the new GPS-based Incremental Train Control System. January 7, 2006 At 2:40 a.m. a Norfolk Southern train slams into a local in Graniteville SC due to a misaligned switch. A tank car carrying chlorine is punctured by a loose steel coil, sending chlorine gas into the air. The escaping gas kills nine people, including one of the engineers. Mark Tomlonson

January 6, 1853 The New Jersey Railroad, Camden & Amboy, Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore and the Baltimore & Ohio begin advertising that they will operate a continuous connecting railroad for mail, passengers and express between New York and Washington with connections guaranteed. January 6, 1853 President-elect Franklin Pierce, his wife and son are involved in a train wreck near Andover MA on the Boston & Maine. His son, Bernie, is the only fatality. Pierce will never fully recover from the emotional impact of losing his son. Some historians point to this trauma as preventing Pierce from taking adequate steps to prevent the American Civil War. January 6, 1865 The first train crosses the Mississippi River into Clinton IA. January 6, 1872 Horsecars begin operation in Ft. Wayne IN. January 6, 1882 The Chicago & Western Indiana absorbs the South Chicago & Western Indiana and the Chicago & Western Indiana Belt Railway. January 6, 1889 First passenger train on the Manistee & Northeastern (later PM, C&O, Chessie, CSX, TSBY). January 6, 1892 The Terre Haute (IN) Electric Railway begins operations. January 6, 1910 The Baltimore & Ohio Chicago Terminal Railroad buys the Chicago Terminal Transfer Railroad, giving the B&O direct control of all its Chicago terminals. January 6, 1918 The USRA makes major cuts in U.S. passenger service, saving $60 million (2025: $1.352 billion) per year. A la carte meals are abolished in diners, menus are limited and the number of dining cars is reduced. All passenger train advertising is eliminated (including train names). Consolidated ticket offices are established. During the war, the USRA will move 6,496,000 soldiers in 9,000 troop trains. January 6, 1919 The Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac opens a new station in Richmond VA, part of an extensive capital improvement project in the area. The west side belt line is also double-tracked to handle passenger trains. January 6, 1922 The Pennsylvania Railroad announces it will retire its last wooden dining cars in the next few months. January 6, 1930 The Detroit, Toledo & Ironton drops passenger service between Napoleon OH & Tecumseh MI. January 6, 1934 Streetcar service in Frankfort, KY ends as a result of a strike. January 6, 1940 Streetcar service draws to a close in Terre Haute IN. January 6, 1949 In response to the US "Friendship Train" which gathered food and other relief supplies for France and Italy, the French send a "Merci Train" to U.S. State capitols and Washington DC. The "40 and 8" boxcars in the train are filled with gifts of appreciation. They will be carried on flatcars while in the U.S. January 6, 1950 The Long Island Railroad drops its PRR-inspired keystone logo and introduces a new herald with "LI" in a circle. January 6, 1950 The Monon introduces “The Varsity”. Running weekends between Chicago and Bloomington IN it is designed to serve Indiana University students. January 6, 1956 The New York Central closes its steam locomotives shops in Detroit and Jackson MI. January 6, 2015 California breaks ground on its high-speed rail project. January 6, 2021 China unveils a new high-speed train set designed to operate at temperatures as low as -40. Mark

January 3, 1868 The Kalamazoo & Grand Rapids Railroad (later KA&GR, LS&MS, NYC, PC) is incorporated. January 3, 1870 The Kalamazoo & South Haven (later MC, NYC, PC, CR) is completed from Kalamazoo to Kendall MI. January 3, 1908 The St. Clair Coal Railway (IL) is merged into the Vandalia Railroad. January 3, 1910 Tired of its cars being routed to the Boston & Maine by mistake, the Brookville & Mahoning (PA) changes its name to the Pittsburg & Shawmut. January 3, 1914 The Niagara, St. Catharines & Toronto Railway (interurban) opens from St. Catharines to Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. January 3, 1933 A recreation car is placed on the "Florida Special", operating southbound on Fridays and northbound on Mondays. The car includes a three-piece Hawaiian band, a dance floor, contract bridge tournaments and other amusements including a wading pool. Next year, the pool will be withdrawn due to sloshing water and additional recreation cars will be built making the cars available on all trains. January 3, 1934 When a flying wheel rim from a grade crossing collision kills an engineer, the Pennsylvania Railroad orders its P-5 electrics still under construction to be built with a center cab rather than box cab design. January 3, 1954 The last steam powered passenger train departs Washington DC's Union Station. Richmond, Fredricksburg & Potomac engine #622 "Carter Braxton" departs at approx. 1: 40 PM for Richmond VA. January 3, 1957 The former Cincinnati Northern (later CCC&StL, NYC) roundhouse at Van Wert OH is torn down. January 3, 1960 Washington DC ends suburban and overhead trolley operations. January 3, 1962 First through train, Sydney to Melbourne. January 3, 1967 The Chesapeake & Ohio buys the Chicago, South Shore & South Bend, acquiring 94% of the lines outstanding stock. January 3, 2005 The Federal Railroad Administration publishes a "final rule" requiring reflective material on the sides of locomotives and freight cars as a safety measure to make trains more visible at highway-rail grade crossings. January 3, 2020 To try to increase public awareness of grade crossing dangers, the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Morrisville police place the remains of a car wrecked in a November 30 car/train collision at the site of the accident for 30 days to illustrate the damage caused to a car when it is hit by a freight doing 55 mph. January 3, 2024 Yesterday and today, two former New York Central electric locomotives, an S-1 and a T-3a, are delivered and unloaded at the Danbury Rail Museum. They had been stranded in Glenmont NY for more than 30 years. January 4, 1875 The Prince Edward Island Railway (later CGR, CNoR, CN) opens between Summerside and Tignish. January 4, 1877 Commodore Vanderbilt dies at his home at the age of 82. He leaves the bulk of his estate and control of the Vanderbilt Lines to his son, William Henry. January 4, 1891 The Southern Railroad inaugurates its "Washington and Southwestern Vestibule Limited", an ancestor of the "Crescent Limited". January 4, 1901 Union Traction Company opens its Anderson-Indianapolis line. January 4, 1915 The "Dixie Flyer", running between Chicago and Florida on a C&EI/L&N route receives all-new steel cars. January 4, 1920 Ottawa Central Station (Ontario) is renamed Ottawa Union Station. January 4, 1932 The Indiana Railroad (interurban) abandons its main line between Indianapolis and Dunreith branch. January 4, 1948 The Rock Island and the Southern Pacific debut new equipment for the “Golden State” passenger train. January 4, 1952 The Chesapeake & Ohio carferry "Spartan" is launched. January 4, 1962 New York City installs the first automated subway train. January 4, 1963 The Baltimore & Ohio ends passenger service to Cleveland. January 4, 1965 In his State of the Union address, President Johnson calls for funds to study high-speed rail service in the Northeast Corridor. January 4, 1969 The Port Authority Transit Corporation of Pennsylvania and New Jersey (PATCO) begins operations between Broadway, Camden and Lindenwood NJ. January 4, 1970 The "Lake Cities" makes its last run bet

January 2, 1832 Daniel K. Minor, publisher of the "New York American", publishes the first issue of the "American Railroad Journal". It is the first U.S. periodical devoted entirely to the railroad industry. It is the direct ancestor of "Railway Locomotives and Cars". January 2, 1871 The first train runs from Kalamazoo to South Haven on the Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad. January 2, 1893 Standards are set for Railroad Timepieces, a vital necessity when most trains move by timetable and train order. January 2, 1901 The Detroit & Charlevoix Railroad (later MC) is chartered. January 2, 1913 The Cleveland Alliance & Mahoning Valley Railway becomes the last interurban in Ohio to open for business. January 2, 1916 Interurban service between Battle Creek and Grand Rapids MI via Richland begins. Between Battle Creek and Montieth the line uses former trackage of the Cincinnati Northern. From Montieth to Grand Rapids it uses new trackage constructed by the Chicago & Michigan. January 2, 1922 A train of 100 Pennsylvania steel boxcars carrying 500 Durant automobiles leaves Jersey City for California via the Overland Route. It is the largest transcontinental shipment of a single commodity to this date. January 2, 1930 The New York Central system acquires the lease of both the Michigan Central and "Big Four" lines. January 2, 1934 The Seaboard Air Line's "Orange Blossom Special" becomes the first Florida train to be completely air-conditioned. January 2, 1935 Chicago & North Western begins "400" service between Chicago and St. Paul, so named because the 400-mile trip is scheduled to take 400 minutes. January 2, 1938 First run of "The City Of San Francisco" January 2, 1958 The Litchfield & Madison Railway is merged with the Chicago & North Western. January 2, 1958 The New Haven Railroad drops 10 of its 38 New York-Boston trains and 4 of its 32 New York-Springfield trains. January 2, 1970 The world's then-largest freight car leaves Pittsburgh for Florida carrying an electric generator. The car can carry 1.2 million pounds (544,000 kg), is 177 feet long (54 meters) and has 44 wheels. January 2, 1996 The Interstate Commerce Commission is replaced by the Surface Transportation Board. Mark Tomlonson

January 1, 1838 The United States Government contracts with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to carry mail. The B&O is the first railroad in the U.S. to get a mail contract. January 1, 1850 The Vermont Central opens between Waterbury and Burlington. January 1, 1853 The Baltimore & Ohio reaches the Ohio River at Wheeling, Virginia. January 1, 1866 The first train arrives in Schoolcraft on the Schoolcraft & Three Rivers Railroad. [Later K&WP, LS&MS, NYC, PC, CR, NS, GDLK] January 1, 1867 A third rail for standard gauge equipment is placed in service on the broad-gauge Great Western Railway of Canada, opening a continuous standard-gauge line from Chicago to New York with the new train ferry Great Western between Detroit and Windsor. The Great Western is the largest iron or steel vessel on the Great Lakes. Through sleeping car service is inaugurated between Suspension Bridge (Niagara Falls) and Chicago. January 1, 1870 The first train into Kalamazoo on the Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad. [Later MC, NYC, PC, CR] January 1, 1870 Grand River Valley Railroad completed from Jackson to Grand Rapids via Charlotte and Hastings [later MC, NYC, PC, KBECR]. January 1, 1872 The Denver & Rio Grande Railway opens from Denver to Colorado Springs, a new town founded by General William J. Palmer. January 1, 1872 The Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore Railroad (later PM, C&O, CSX) reaches Pentwater MI from the south. Also today, the Grand Rapids & Holland Railroad completes a branch between its namesake cities for the C&MLS. January 1, 1874 Horsecar service begins between Belding and the Ionia & Lansing Railroad in Kiddville. January 1, 1874 The Michigan portion of the Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railroad between Allegan and Monteith is leased to the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad. January 1, 1876 The North Brookfield Railroad (later B&A, NYC) is opened. January 1, 1877 The Toledo, Wabash & Western Railway reorganizes as the Wabash Railway. January 1, 1879 The Pennsylvania Company begins operating the Indianapolis & Vincennes Railroad. The line was leased on December 28. January 1, 1888 Tracks of the Minneapolis, Sault Ste. Marie & Atlantic Railway (later Soo Line) reach Sault Ste. Marie. January 1, 1899 South Central Station (now South Station) in Boston opens. January 1, 1900 The Pere Marquette Railroad is formed from the Chicago & West Michigan, Flint & Pere Marquette and Detroit, Grand Rapids & Western. It is Michigan's largest railroad. (Some sources say December 31, 1899) January 1, 1900 The Pullman Palace Car Co. buys out its major competitor, The Wagner Palace Car Co. January 1, 1900 The Pennsylvania Railroad establishes a company pension, with 70 set as the mandatory retirement age. January 1, 1902 The Wabash Railroad ceases operation of the Logansport & Toledo (later PRR, PC, CR) between Logansport and Butler. It is taken over by the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad. January 1, 1907 The Pennsylvania Railroad discontinues its practice of publishing train schedules in daily newspapers. January 1, 1907 The Ft. Wayne & Springfield makes its first trip from Decatur to Ft. Wayne. Only the first 7 miles of the trip are run under wire, the remainder of the trip to Ft. Wayne is made attached to the construction train. Once in Ft. Wayne, the car enters street car track and again runs under wire to the depot. January 1, 1910 The Winona & Warsaw Railway, operating 3 1/3 miles between Warsaw and Winona Lake, begins operations under lease of the Winona Interurban Railway. January 1, 1913 To avoid buying new steel cars for service into Grand Central and Penn Station, the New Haven contracts with the Pullman Company to operate its lounge and sleeping cars. January 1, 1914 The world's first commercial airline with a regular schedule begins operation between St. Petersburg and Tampa FL. It will fail within four months. January 1, 1917 The Vandalia Railroad is merged with other Pennsylvania Railroad properties to become the PCC&StL Railroad. January 1, 1917 The Pennsylvania Railroad begins screening "The Americanization of Tony", a company film

December 31, 1849 The Hudson River Railroad opens to Poughkeepsie NY. December 31, 1852 The first Baltimore & Ohio train leaves Baltimore for Wheeling. December 31, 1853 First train to Clinton MI. December 31, 1853 Canada's Great Western Railway (later CN) opens between Hamilton and London ON. December 31, 1869 The Central Pacific begins construction on a branch line through the San Joaquin valley. December 31, 1870 The Vermont Central Railroad leases The Rutland Railroad. December 31, 1878 The first standard gauge train leaves Buffalo NY for Jersey City NJ over the Erie Railroad after the Erie has laid a third rail within its 6-foot gauge on the main line. December 31, 1879 The Pennsylvania Railroad runs special trains between Jersey City and Menlo Park, carrying 3,000 people to a public exhibition of Thomas Edison's new electric light. December 31, 1883 Michigan Central carferry service at Detroit begins. December 31, 1887 Michigan's only international railroad bridge, the 1.2-mile series of spans across the rapids of the St. Mary's River at Sault Ste. Marie is opened. The double bascule spans are, at the time, the largest of this type of in the world. December 31, 1895 The General Power & Quick Transit Company places six 40-foot interurban cars in service between South Bend and Mishawaka IN. They are among the first cars built specifically for interurban use. December 31, 1900 The Monongahela Railroad is incorporated, owned 50/50 by the Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie. December 31, 1921 The Pennsylvania Railroad contracts with Fruit Growers Express to operate its refrigerator cars over the PRR. It also leases 5,927 refrigerator cars to FGE. December 31, 1922 All but three miles of the Springfield, South Charleston, Washington Court House & Chillicothe Traction Company (OH) is abandoned. The rest becomes an industrial spur. December 31, 1925 Last day of operations on the Dayton & Northern (interurban). December 31, 1930 General Motors buys Electro-Motive Corporation. December 31, 1930 Last day for streetcars in Zanesville OH. December 31, 1936 The Pennsylvania Railroad reports it has 1,100 air-conditioned passenger cars. December 31, 1945 The New Haven makes its last steamboat runs to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. December 31, 1949 Last day for streetcars in Toledo OH. December 31, 1951 Common-carrier rail service on Cyprus ends. December 31, 1952 The Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad (PA) drops its third rail interurban service and becomes freight only. December 31, 1955 Grand Trunk Western drops passenger service between Pontiac and Caseville MI. The last run carried one passenger: a reporter covering the event. December 31, 1957 The Norfolk & Western retires its experimental steam turbine locomotive "Jawn Henry" after a major turbine failure. Although given much support from N&W during its trial period, engineers cannot solve the problem of large operating costs. December 31, 1957 The Southern Railroad runs its last steam locomotive. December 31, 1958 The Pennsylvania Railroad drops the “Ohioan”, ending passenger service between Anoka Junction and Bradford. December 31, 1963 The Iowa Terminal acquires the Charles City Western. (IA Interurbans). December 31, 1968 The Pullman Co., owned by the railroads to provide sleeping car services, ceases all operations, primarily due to Penn Central's insistence that it staff its own cars. December 31, 1968 The last sleeper runs on the former Chicago & Alton, where George Pullman's first sleeper made its debut. December 31, 1978 All high-carbon steel wheels are to be removed from all rail equipment. December 31, 1978 The last intercity passenger trains on the Rock Island, which did not join Amtrak, make their last runs. December 31, 1979 The Chicago & Indiana makes its last run, having failed to operate successfully on the west end of the former Erie Lackawanna. December 31, 1981 The Colorado & Southern, Denver & New Orleans, and the Ft. Worth & Denver are merged into the Burlington Northern. December 31, 1983 All running boards are to be removed from box cars

December 30, 1829 As experiments in motive power continue, six persons travel over the Baltimore & Ohio in a sail car. December 30, 1853 The Gadsden Purchase is finalized. The land, bought from Mexico, is acquired primarily because it includes the best rail route between Texas and California. The land is now the southern portion of Arizona and New Mexico. December 30, 1862 The Central Transportation Company is incorporated, merging the sleeping car patents of T.T. Woodruff and Edward Knight of Philadelphia. The new company assumes operation of sleeping cars on the Pennsylvania and other railroads. December 30, 1869 The Ohio & Mississippi Railroad opens its Louisville Branch between North Vernon, IN and Jeffersonville, giving the Baltimore & Ohio system access to Louisville. December 30, 1871 Grand Duke Alexis of Russia and his party travel through Kalamazoo on their way to Chicago from Detroit, traveling via the Michigan Central Railroad. The Grand Duke will tour rebuilding efforts following the Chicago Fire. December 30, 1889 The Hamilton & Lindenwald Electric Transit (OH) receives its charter. December 30, 1906 A train wreck at Terra Cotta near present day Fort Totten in Washington DC kills 52. The accident leads to the ICC banning future wooden body passenger car construction. December 30, 1927 The first subway in The Orient opens in Japan: The Ginza Line in Tokyo. December 30, 1960 The Soo Line is formed with the merger of the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic, Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie and Wisconsin Central railroads. December 30, 1963 Dayton Union Railway Company sells the old portion of Dayton Union Station to the city. The station will be demolished. December 30, 1968 The Long Island Railroad places its first M-1 "Metropolitan" cars in revenue service. December 30, 1969 RPO service between Detroit and Grand Rapids MI ends. December 30, 1976 Boeing LRV's begin serving on the MBTA. December 30, 1996 Dallas Area Rapid Transit opens its first Trinity Rail Express line between Dallas and Irving TX. December 30, 2020 The former Chesapeake & Ohio carferries SS. Badger and SS. Spartan, along with another lake boat, are sold to Interlake Holding Company. December 30, 2020 China begins driverless high speed rail (350 km/h, 217 mph) between Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou. The three cites are Winter Olympics sites. December 30, 2023 Eurostar rail service between London and Paris is suspended as unprecedented flooding in tunnels under the Thames River make the line impassable. Mark Tomlonson

December 27, 1853 A force of 300 New York railroad workers from Buffalo arrives at Harbor Creek (near Erie PA) and intimidates citizens of Harbor Creek tearing up the Erie & North East Railroad. When a Buffalo & State Line (later NYC) conductor wounds a townsman, citizens drive the railroad workers back into the train. The mayor, militia, and a large mob of citizens of Erie arrive and take possession of track. December 27, 1859 The Grand Trunk Railway completes construction of the rail line from Toronto to Sarnia ON. Train ferry service is begun to make the connection across the St. Clair River to Fart Gratiot (later Port Huron MI). December 27, 1879 The Ft. Wayne & Jackson Railroad (later LS&MS, NYC) is incorporated. December 27, 1890 Streetcars begin running in Zanesville OH. December 27, 1899 The Copper Range Railroad is completed between Houghton and McKeever MI. December 27, 1900 The Lake Shore & Michigan Southern opens its not-quite-finished passenger station in Elkhart IN. December 27, 1902 During a raging blizzard, the “Pacific Express” slams into a freight train near Wanstead ON. The two Grand Trunk trains collide as the freight was pulling into the siding for the meet. Thirty-one people are killed. December 27, 1906 Michigan Central buys the Chicago, Kalamazoo & Saginaw (later NYC, PC, CR; one branch GTW, CN) to thwart plans by the Pere Marquette to make it a link in a shorter Chicago-Detroit route. The MC has little interest in operating the line and the Sergeant family continues to run it much as they had before the purchase. December 27, 1937 The Long Island Railroad places two experimental double-deck MU cars (motor-trailer) in service. December 27, 1937 A new "City of Los Angeles" is placed in service via the Overland Route. December 27, 1937 The Illinois Power Company shuts down the streetcars in Springfield IL. December 27, 1941 The Office of Price Administration begins the rationing of rubber. The lack of rubber for automobile tires will lead many travelers to choose the train. December 27, 1943 The War Department takes possession of all U.S. railroads. December 27, 1956 Baldwin-Lima-Hamilton ships its last locomotives, New Orleans Public Belt #61 and #62. December 27, 2008 Phoenix opens its new light rail line with a performance by the 1970's rock group "Grand Funk Railroad". The new line runs 20 miles between Mesa and north-central Phoenix. December 27, 2011 General Electric announces it will open a new locomotive re-manufacturing facility in Erie PA. The plant is expected to be in operation in 2013. December 28, 1825 George Featherstonhaugh (pronounced fen-shaw), of Duanesburgh NY, runs a newspaper notice announcing the formation of the Mohawk & Hudson Rail Road Company. December 28, 1829 The Baltimore & Ohio begins experimental excursions between Pratt Street and Carrollton Viaduct using a variety of cars, including a six-person car pulled by two dogs. December 28, 1860 The Pennsylvania Railroad Board declines a request by the American Railway Literary Union to place religious books and tracts in PRR passenger trains. December 28, 1872 The Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe is completed across Kansas to the Kansas/Colorado state line, 3 months ahead of the time limit specified in its charter. December 28, 1878 The Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore Railroad becomes the Chicago & West Michigan Railroad. (later PM, C&O, CSX) December 28, 1879 The Tay Bridge over Scotland's Firth of Tay collapses in a gale with the loss of seventy-five persons. Although it was hailed as an "engineering triumph" when it was built three years earlier, the railway bridge has collapsed due to faulty design. December 28, 1889 The Newark & Granville Street Railway, the first electric interurban line in the United States, begins operations in Licking County OH. December 28, 1901 The Escanaba & Lake Superior Railway begins regular operations between Escanaba and Channing. December 28, 1906 Following the death of Alexander J. Cassatt, James McCrea becomes President of the Pennsylvania Railroad. December 28, 1910 With the opening of Penn Sta

December 26, 1870 The 12.8 kilometer (7.95 miles) Frejus (or Mt. Cenis) Rail Tunnel is holed through, connecting France and Italy. The project was expected to take 25 years, but pneumatic drilling has reduced the time to 14 years. December 26, 1896 The Lake Manitoba Railway and Canal Company operates its first train from Dauphin to Portage la Prairie. Within two years the company is renamed the Canadian Northern Railway Company (later CN). December 26, 1903 High winds extinguish a kerosene warning light, and two Pere Marquette passenger trains collide near Grand Rapids, killing 22 and injuring 30. December 26, 1913 The landmark Michigan Central depot in Detroit opens, rushed into service after fire damages the previous station. The first train out is bound for Saginaw and Bay City. The first train to arrive comes from Chicago. It will serve the city as a railroad depot until 1988, with the platforms in use until 1994. December 26, 1917 President Wilson announces that the federal government will be taking over operation of the railroads under the authority of the Army Appropriations Act of 1916. The railroads will be administered by the United States Railway Administration (USRA). December 26, 1934 The Pullman Car & Manufacturing Co. merges with its subsidiary Standard Steel Car Co. to become Pullman-Standard. December 26, 1944 New York Central 4-6-4 5219 suffers a boiler explosion while standing at the passenger station in Elkhart IN. December 26, 1976 The second American Freedom Train ends its tour in Miami FL. December 26, 2004 A tsunami hits the express train "Samudradevi", or "Queen of the Sea" in Telwatta, Sri Lanka. Eight hundred two bodies are recovered out of an estimated 2,000 dead, making it the worst train disaster in history. Of the 2,000 dead, 700 were people who had climbed upon the train after the first wave thinking they would be safe. Mark Tomlonson

December 25, 1830 First common carrier steam train in regular service in the U.S. on the South Carolina RR, later Southern Railroad. December 25, 1848 The New Haven Railroad begins operation. December 25, 1858 The Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago (later PRR) opens between Englewood and Van Buren Street, Chicago, completing the line from Pittsburgh to Chicago. The PFW&C is the third railroad entering Chicago from the east and the first from Philadelphia. December 25, 1865 Union Stockyards open on the southwest side of Chicago, outside what was then the city limits. The yards have been built in six months at cost of $1.4 million and are the largest stockyards in the world. December 25, 1871 The Cincinnati, Richmond & Fort Wayne Railroad opens between Winchester and Adams IN on the Pittsburgh Ft. Wayne & Chicago, completing the line between Richmond IN and Fort Wayne. The Grand Rapids & Indiana immediately begins operation of the CR&FtW. The added track will cause the GR&I to form two Divisions, centered on Grand Rapids MI. December 25, 1880 Actress Sarah Bernhardt is snowbound while traveling on the Ann Arbor Railroad. December 25, 1891 Streetcar service begins in Lincoln IL. December 25, 1950 The Peoria & Eastern ends the use of steam locomotives. December 25, 2002 The 5,758 mile Trans-Siberian Railway is completely electrified. December 25, 2005 The former carferry "Lansdowne", built in 1884 and at one time the largest vessel on the lakes sinks in its moorings at Erie, PA. Converted to a barge after leaving Detroit ferry service in 1956, she carries two ex-MILW "Skytop" observation cars as she sinks. Mark Tomlonson Merry Christmas and a Blessed Hanukah!

December 24, 1867 The Detroit Car & Manufacturing Company is formed. December 24, 1873 The first through train between New Orleans and Chicago on the Illinois Central arrives in Cairo IL. The train has crossed the Ohio River by ferry. December 24, 1878 The Grand Trunk and the Chicago & Lake Huron Railroads reach an agreement shaping the consolidated railroad, which will eventually be known as the Grand Trunk Western. December 24, 1899 Boston's last horsecar ends operation. December 24, 1904 The Springfield, South Charleston, Washington Court House & Chillicothe Traction Company opens. It runs between South Charleston and Emory Chapel OH, and running rights on the Springfield & Xenia allow it to get from Emory Chapel to Springfield. December 24, 1911 The Delaware, Lackawanna & Western opens its Lackawanna cut-off. Running from near Lake Hopatcong NJ to near the Delaware Water Gap, the 28-mile line saves 11 miles from the previous route and offers some of the most spectacular scenery on the DL&W. December 24, 1929 The Pennsylvania Railroad reports a record number of holiday travelers, up 15% from 1928. PRR has operated 100 extra trains. All the "Blue Ribbon" trains are run in two sections and the "American" in three sections. December 24, 1931 The New Haven acquires its first diesel locomotive, a former ALCO demonstrator the New Haven numbers "600". In later life the locomotive will wear "0900". December 24, 1943 A record 178,892 passengers are carried between Washington and New York on the Pennsylvania Railroad. December 24, 1946 The Office of Defense Transportation cancels the Pullman contract for operation of the boxcar troop sleeper fleet. The cars are sold for conversion to freight service, as had been the intent in their design. Many of the cars will find their way, substantially without alteration, into work train and maintenance of way service. December 24, 1953 The head-end crew of a Czech Republic train celebrates Christmas by drinking several bottles of wine in the cab. They fall asleep and hit a commuter train in Sakvice. One hundred six people are killed. December 24, 1953 The Tangwai River Bridge in New Zealand is hit by a flash flood of volcanic debris a few minutes before the arrival of an overnight Wellington to Auckland express train. One hundred fifty one people are killed when the bridge gives way under the train. December 24, 1954 Last steam on the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton. December 24, 1954 Last run of regular passenger service between Cincinnati and Sturgis MI on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Summer only service continues. A gas-electric car is placed in service between Sturgis and Grand Rapids as the State of Michigan refuses to allow total discontinuance of service. December 24, 1959 New York Central's "Beeliner", RDC service between Jackson and Bay City MI, is discontinued. December 24, 1986 The Keokuk Junction Railway purchases 28.4 miles of the former Toledo, Peoria & Western from the Santa Fe. This increases the size of the KJ by more than six fold, and extends its line to La Harpe IL. December 24, 2008 The United States Surface Transportation Board approves the sale of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern to Canadian National. Mark Tomlonson

December 23, 1851 Ground is broken in both Chicago and Cairo IL for the Illinois Central. December 23, 1852 The first train to run west of the Mississippi travels five miles from St. Louis to Cheltenham, a modest beginning on building plans that have aimed towards a transcontinental rail connection ever since gold was discovered in California in 1848. December 23, 1867 The first section of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad opens between Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, MI, meeting the deadline set by the State of Michigan for the land grant. The GR&I is operated by a contractor with cars provided by the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago. This small amount of construction has exhausted all of the GR&I's available funds. December 23, 1873 The First section of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe opens, between Topeka and the Colorado/Kansas border. December 23, 1877 The Indianapolis Belt Line handles a record 108-car train. December 23, 1907 The first all-steel passenger car is unveiled, built by the Pennsylvania Railroad. December 23, 1926 The Pennsylvania Railroad holds its second annual system-wide Christmas party, held simultaneously across the system at 8:00 PM EST. The party is broadcast on WJZ New York, KDKA Pittsburgh and other stations. At Philadelphia, PRR President Atterbury greets employees at the Metropolitan Opera House. December 23, 1926 Atlantic Coast Line inaugurates new Pullman lounges on the "Havana Special", equipped with two shower baths and a soda fountain-buffet. Also offered: afternoon tea with “Filipino” (i.e. non-Union) attendants. December 23, 1930 The Detroit-Toledo Railroad merges with the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton. Detroit-Toledo has been a DT&I subsidiary for the last 15 years. December 23, 1944 Washington Union Station is temporarily closed when 100,000 customers fill the concourse, which has been designed for 25,000. Some passengers are unable to get to their trains before departure and many trains leave the station with empty space. December 23, 1946 8,872,244 people ride the New York City subways, the current one-day record. December 23, 1968 Canadian National Railways begin using Turbos in revenue service. December 23, 2001 A faulty brake application on a CSX local switching in Kodak Park, Charlotte NY causes the train to run away and derail 5 miles later. Several homes and businesses in the area are destroyed. Mark Tomlonson

December 20, 1864 The Bellefontaine Railway (later CCC&I, CCC&StL, NYC) is created from the merger of the Indianapolis, Pittsburgh & Cleveland and the Bellefontaine & Indiana. The incorporation papers will be filed in Indiana today and in Ohio on December 26. December 20, 1869 The Michigan Central begins joint operations with the Great Western Railway of Canada. December 20, 1880 A shipment of Chinese silkworms and silkworm eggs valued at $1.2 million (2024: $37.1 million) leaves Chicago on the Pennsylvania Railroad bound for Jersey City and France. December 20, 1900 The first Cascade Tunnel on the Great Northern opens, replacing a series of switchbacks. December 20, 1904 An acute water shortage in central and western Pennsylvania is delaying Pennsylvania Railroad trains. Water trains are brought in from the east. Next year a program will begin to create reservoirs in the area. December 20, 1905 The rebuilt Louisville Union Station opens. December 20, 1918 The first Boyne City, Gaylord & Alpena train arrives in Alpena MI. December 20, 1918 "Canadian National Railways" is approved as the new name for Canadian Government Railways. December 20, 1967 United Aircraft's "Turbotrain" sets the current United States rail speed record: 170.8 mph between New Brunswick and Trenton NJ. December 20, 1970 Pullman-Standard closes its Michigan City IN shops. December 20, 1984 A freight train derails in Summit Tunnel near Todmorden, England. Over 1 million liters (260,000 U.S. gallons) of gasoline ignite, creating the world’s largest underground fire. Two of the train’s tank cars melt in the 1,632 degree (C, 2,970 degree (F) fire. Flames shooting out of the ventilators rise 148 feet into the air. No one is hurt in the blaze. December 20, 2003 Hong Kong Railways (KCRC) opens its West Rail extension. December 20, 2010 The Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society receives an SD-9, donated by Norfolk Southern. The locomotive, delivered to the Nickel Plate in 1957 as its number 358, was retired in 2007. December 20, 2017 The Byron Bay Railway Company, in Byron Bay Australia claims the world’s first solar powered train. Using refurbished rail-diesel cars, the train uses solar energy from curved panels built into the cars’ roofs. Along with panels on the station roof used for recharging the train when it is parked, the train rarely needs its standby diesel engine as it takes beachgoers from the town center to the ocean. December 20, 2021 After several challenges to the motion, the Surface Transportation Board approves the sale of 650 miles of Canadian National branch lines in Wisconsin and in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to WATCO. December 21, 1829 Carrollton Viaduct, the first stone arch railroad bridge in the U.S., is dedicated in Baltimore. As of 2024 it is the oldest railway bridge still in use. December 21, 1833 The Georgia Railroad, the first railroad in Georgia, is chartered. December 21, 1841 The Albany & West Stockbridge Railroad (later B&A) completes its line between Greenbush and Chatham NY. December 21, 1901 Arthur E. Appleyard assumes control of the Dayton, Lebanon & Cincinnati Railroad. He plans to unite it with other railroads, including the Ohio River & Western, as part of an interurban system to be known as the Ohio Union Traction Company. December 21, 1903 The Harbor Beach & Port Hope R.R. Co. (MI) is merged into the Pere Marquette. December 21, 1926 The Chambersburg & Gettysburg Electric Railway (PA) quits. December 21, 1929 The Albany Southern (NY Interurban) quits. December 21, 1938 The Pennsylvania Railroad's class S1 6-4-4-6 duplex steam locomotive is completed at Altoona, save for the streamlining. It also undergoes its first tests. December 21, 1948 Grand Trunk Western opens a new passenger depot in Grand Rapids MI. The structure and associated trackage costs $250,000. ($3.3 million in 2024 dollars.) December 21, 1962 The Budd Company delivers its last RDC, to the Reading Railroad. December 21, 1971 Joseph Easley, longtime cartoonist for "Railroad" magazine dies at the age of 86. December 21, 2004 Marklin introduces "condom"

December 19, 1881 The land grant railroad Detroit, Mackinac & Marquette (later DSS&A, SOO, WC, CN) reaches St. Ignace, spanning Michigan's Upper Peninsula. December 19, 1887 The Illinois Central completes its line to Sioux Falls SD. December 19, 1910 The Chicago City Council considers following New York's lead and requiring all railroads to electrify within a radius of seven miles no later than January 1, 1913. The motion does not pass. December 19, 1919 The Canadian National Railways is created by an Order in Council. The creation is meant to unite and rescue five bankrupt railroads: the Grand Trunk, Grand Trunk Pacific, Canadian Northern, Intercolonial and Canadian Government Railways. The new CNR is the longest railroad in North America, with over 50,000 km (31,000 miles) of track in Canada and the United States. December 19, 1926 The Boston & Albany opens a new union station in Springfield MA. It replaces two earlier stations and cost $5.87 million ($104.6 million in 2024) to build. December 19, 1944 No one is hurt when the “Sam Houston Zephyr” catches fire 50 miles north of Houston. Pulled by locomotive 9901, this will be the only one of the nine “shovelnose” EMD locomotives to meet an early end. December 19, 1977 The Milwaukee Road files for bankruptcy. December 19, 2000 The Adrian & Blissfield Railroad acquires the former Lenawee County Railroad (ex-NYC, LS&MS) from the State of Michigan. December 19, 2006 For the first time since Hurricane Katrina, streetcars return to the St. Charles line in New Orleans. Only 10% of the route and just two of the 35 cars inaugurate the service. December 19, 2017 CSX files with the STB to abandon the former Monon trackage between New Albany and Bedford, 62.3 miles. CSX ended service on the line in 2010, and the tracks have been used for rail car storage since then. Mark Tomlonson

December 18, 1867 The Cleveland. Painesville & Ashtabula’s (later NYC) “New York Express” derails at Angola NY when a passenger car with “compromise” trucks (allowing it to run on both 56.5” and 58” gauge) picks the point of a frog and derails. The derailed car rolls off a bridge and kills 49. December 18, 1881 The Michigan Central reaches the Straits of Mackinaw, building north from Bay City. (Some sources say December 31) December 18, 1893 The Ottawa, Amprior & Parry Sound Railway (later GT) opens an extension from Amprior to Eganville ON. December 18, 1908 The State of Michigan runs out of cash and cannot meet the state payroll. Several major railroads serving the state volunteer to pay a total of $750,000 (2024: $25.7 million) in advance taxes to help with the financial crunch. December 18, 1911 On the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, a silk train crashes into the rear of the “Columbian Flier” at Odessa MN. Twelve people are killed. December 18, 1936 The "Twin Cities Zephyr", an articulated trainset pulled by a separate diesel locomotive, is placed into service by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy between Chicago and Minneapolis-St. Paul MN. December 18, 1946 The Pennsylvania Railroad ends its commitment to steam with the $16.375 million (2024: $240.29 million) purchase of 19 6,000 HP passenger diesels (5 EMD E7's, 5 Alco PA's and 9 BLW Sharknoses), completing dieselization of Blue Ribbon trains. Also included: 6 EMD F3 7,500 HP freight diesels to experimentally dieselize one freight train each between Harrisburg/Chicago and Harrisburg/St. Louis. December 18, 1952 "Train X" makes its last test runs. Pennsylvania Railroad officials note that while the train can reach 106 mph, the ride is very unstable and uncomfortable. December 18, 1956 Aerotrain service, "City of Las Vegas", between Los Angeles and Las Vegas begins on the Union Pacific. December 18, 1962 The Interstate Commerce Commission approves Detroit, Toledo & Ironton control of the Ann Arbor Railroad. December 18, 1968 An I.C.C. examiner recommends the merger of the Chicago & North Western and the Milwaukee Road. December 18, 1983 Canadian National abondons track between Renfrew Junction and Whitney ON on its Renfrew Subdivision. Mark Tomlonson

December 17, 1830 Former President John Quincy Adams, following his re-election to Congress, travels over the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad between Baltimore and Relay MD en route to Washington DC. President Adams rides in his own carriage that has been placed on a horse-drawn B&O flat car. December 17, 1834 The first railroad in Ireland opens. December 17, 1853 The Brooklyn City Railroad, the oldest streetcar line in Brooklyn, is opened. December 17, 1862 Theodore T. Woodruff exhibits two sleeping cars of a new design at West Philadelphia. December 17, 1870 The Kalamazoo & South Haven RR (later MC, NYC, PC, CR) is completed. December 17, 1887 Southern Pacific begins service to Portland OR. December 17, 1888 The Great Northern receives its first Leslie snowplow. December 17, 1890 Cable car service begins in Cleveland OH. December 17, 1894 The Detroit & Mackinaw Railway is formed as a reorganization of the Detroit, Bay City & Alpena. December 17, 1911 Northern Pacific's "North Coast Limited" extends service to Chicago. The former eastern terminal was St. Paul. December 17, 1913 The Detroit, Toledo & Milwaukee Railroad becomes the Michigan & Chicago Railway. (MI interurban) December 17, 1924 First Diesel-electric locomotive enters service, on the docks in the Bronx. December 17, 1940 The last interurban runs between Canton and Massillon OH. December 17, 1947 The New York Central Railroad announces it has ordered 111 diesel locomotives. December 17, 1951 The Rock Island converts all of its Chicago-area commuter runs to diesel. Seventeen new units replace the 23 Pacific types previously used. December 17, 1954 First fully-automated railroad freight yard opens, on the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern in Gary IN. December 17, 1962 The Interstate Commerce Commission approves Chesapeake & Ohio control of the Baltimore & Ohio. December 17, 1964 Atlantic Coast Line introduces train television on its "Florida Special". December 17, 2008 Rail-Runner commuter service begins between Santa Fe and Albuqueque NM. December 17, 2017 Tacoma WA dedicates a new Amtrak station. December 17, 2021 Railfan & Railroad magazine reports that the former New York, Ontario & Western depot in Middleton NY will be redeveloped. The depot has sat empty for 20 years following a fire. December 17, 2021 The 55 km (34 mile) Orangeville-Brampton Railway makes its last run, ending service on a former Canadian Pacific branch that saw its first train in 1879. Mark Tomlonson