Grand Trunk Western Railroad Pontiac Operations: A Detailed History

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad (GTW) was a major railroad that operated in the Midwestern United States. The railroad's Pontiac Operations played a significant role in the development of the city of Pontiac, Michigan. This article provides a detailed history of the railroad's operations in Pontiac, from its early beginnings to its eventual decline.

The Railfan Chronicles: Grand Trunk Western Railroad, Book 2, Pontiac Operations

by Byron Babbish

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15188 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	182 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Early History

The GTW was founded in 1859 as the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada. The railroad's first line in Michigan was built in 1871, and by the early 1880s, the GTW had established a major presence in Pontiac. The railroad's Pontiac operations were initially focused on the transportation of agricultural products, but the railroad also played a role in the development of Pontiac's manufacturing industry.

In 1890, the GTW built a new freight yard in Pontiac. The yard was located on the north side of the city, and it was one of the largest freight yards in the Midwest. The yard served as a hub for the railroad's operations in Pontiac, and it also played a role in the development of the city's economy.

The Golden Age of Railroading

The early 1900s were a golden age for railroading in the United States. The GTW was one of the most successful railroads in the country, and its Pontiac Operations were a major part of the railroad's success. During this time, the GTW transported a wide variety of goods through Pontiac, including automobiles, manufactured goods, and agricultural products.

The GTW also played a major role in the development of Pontiac's passenger rail service. In 1912, the railroad built a new passenger station in Pontiac. The station was located in the heart of the city, and it was a major hub for passenger rail travel in the region.

Decline and Closure

The decline of the railroad industry in the United States began in the mid-20th century. The GTW was one of the many railroads that was affected by this decline. The railroad's Pontiac Operations began to decline in the 1950s, and by the 1970s, the railroad had abandoned most of its operations in the city.

The GTW's Pontiac Operations officially ended in 1981. The railroad's freight yard was closed, and the passenger station was sold to a private developer. The closure of the GTW's Pontiac Operations was a major blow to the city's economy.

Legacy

The GTW's Pontiac Operations played a significant role in the development of the city of Pontiac. The railroad's operations helped to make Pontiac a major manufacturing center, and the railroad's passenger service provided a vital link to other cities in the region. The closure of the GTW's Pontiac Operations was a major blow to the city's economy, but the railroad's legacy continues to live on in the city's history.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad's Pontiac Operations were a major part of the city's history. The railroad's operations helped to make Pontiac a major manufacturing center, and the railroad's passenger service provided a vital link to other cities in the region. The closure of the GTW's Pontiac Operations was a major blow to the city's economy, but the railroad's legacy continues to live on in the city's history.

The Railfan Chronicles: Grand Trunk Western Railroad, Book 2, Pontiac Operations

by Byron Babbish

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15188 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	182 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE