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Michigan Interurbans and Streetcar Railroads

The information included here covers a general history of Michigan interurbans and streetcar railroads once operated throughout the state. Interurban railroads were once a common form of transportation for many towns both large and small although they began to fall out of favor in the 1930s and 1940s for the common automobile as its technology and better highways became vastly improved and more reliable. While interurbans served a vital transportation purpose prior to reliable autos and highways from a historical perspective they are fascinating because of many small companies that popped up and also disappeared nearly overnight. During the peak of interurban operations in the country there were even several builders of motorcars including J. G. Brill & Company, St. Louis Car Company, Pullman-Standard, American Car Company, Standard Steel and the Jewett Car Company.

The information below includes short paragraph descriptions of most Michigan interurbans and streetcar railroads.

Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti Electric Railway: The Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti Electric Railway took over the operations of the Ann Arbor Street Railway in 1896, which served the City of Ann Arbor. It remained in service for only a few years before being reorganized as the Detroit, Ypsilanti & Ann Arbor Railway in 1901. Never a very profitable railroad streetcar service on the line was discontinued altogether in 1925.

Southern Michigan Railway: The Southern Michigan Railway served the Berrien Springs area. It began operations in 1906 and provided service until 1934 when it was abandoned.

Detroit United Railways: Detroit United Railways was created on the last day of December, 1900 to consolidate the many interurban railroads operating in and around Detroit. Political tampering forced the interurban into bankruptcy in 1925 and what was left of the system was finally abandoned in May of 1927.

Eastern Michigan Railways: Eastern Michigan Railways was created in 1928 from the Lincoln Park Coach Line, a route originally built by the Detroit & Toledo Shore Line Railroad in 1904. It remained in service for just a few years until 1932 when streetcar service was discontinued.

Grand Rapids, Grand Haven & Muskegon Railway: The Grand Rapids, Grand Haven & Muskegon Railway was funded and owned by Westinghouse, Church, Kerr & Company. It began in 1902 and eventually its main line connected Grand Rapids and Muskegon Heights with a branch to Fruitport. It was sold in 1912 to the United Light and Railways Company and until the "Roarin' Twentys" made healthy profits. However, as automobiles and highways improved earnings declined. The GRGH&M was in bankruptcy by 1926 and abandoned altogether by 1928.

Grand Rapids, Holland & Chicago Railway: The Grand Rapids, Holland & Chicago Railway was created in 1904 from the reorganization of the Grand Rapids, Holland & Lake Michigan Rapid Railway of 1902. It connected the cities of Grand Rapid, Holland and Saugatuck and operated until 1926 when streetcar service was abandoned.

Grand Rapids Railroad: The Grand Rapids Railroad served the City of Grand Rapids and remained in operation until 1935 when service was abandoned in favor of buses.

Lake Superior District Power Company: The Lake Superior District Power Company operated streetcar railroads of Ashland. This line was originally known as the Ashland Street Railway, which at first used horses for power. The railway was merged into the Ashland Light, Power & Street Railway Company and electrified in 1893. In 1922 it became known as the Lake Superior District Power Company and services lasted for another eleven years before being discontinued in 1933.

Jackson & Battle Creek Traction Company: The Jackson & Battle Creek Traction Company completed half of a route which connected Battle Creek and Kalamazoo (the other half being the Michigan Traction Company). In 1906 the company became part of the expansive Michigan United Railway.

Detroit, Jackson & Chicago Railway: The Detroit, Jackson & Chicago Railway began operations in 1907 from the Detroit, Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor & Jackson Railway (which had its beginnings as the Detroit, Ypsilanti & Ann Arbor Railway of 1897). Serving Dearborn the railroad remained until 1928 when it became known as the Eastern Michigan Railways. A year later all streetcar service was abandoned.

Ludington & Northern Railway: The Ludington & Northern Railway dates back to the Epworth League Railway of 1895, which changed its name to the L&N in 1901. It served Mason County connecting Ludington and Epworth Heights and operating only two miles of trackage. Interestingly, the L&N remained in service hauling sand until 1982 when it was abandoned.

Michigan Electric Railway: The Michigan Electric Railway began operations in 1923 on a railroad route constructed by the Jackson City Railway of 1882. Over the years the interurban was known by different names such as the Jackson Street Railway, Jackson & Suburban Traction Company, Jackson Consolidated Traction Company and Michigan United Railways before known as the Michigan Electric. It remained in operation for only five years before being renamed the Jackson Transportation Company. Streetcar service ended soon after in 1936.

Other notable Michigan interurban railroads:

Benton Harbor & St. Joe Railway

Detroit & River St. Clair Railway

Escanaba Electric Street Railway

Kalamazoo Street Railway

Michigan Railway

Mt. Clemens Fast Line

Owasso & Corunna Traction Company

Port Huron & Gratiot Street Railway

Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield & Pontiac Railway

Saginaw Valley Railway

For a small gallery of photographs highlighting Michigan interurbans and streetcar railroads please click here.

For more reading on Michigan interurbans consider picking up a copy of the book The Electric Interurban Railways in America by authors George Hilton and John Due. Many consider their book to be the quintessential resource guide to the interurban and streetcar movement that was once so common in our country during the first half of the 20th century. At nearly 500 pages the book is stuffed full of information on trolley railroads and covers virtually every topic on the subject. If you have any interest in trolleys and interurban railroads and/or would like to learn more about their history I would strongly consider Mr. Hilton and Mr. Due's book first before purchasing any other. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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