Lima in Allen County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lima Locomotive Works
One of America's largest steam locomotive builders, the Lima Locomotive Works, built 7,752 locomotives between 1879 and 1951. It rose to success building the patented Shay geared locomotive, an innovative design that became the standard for railroad logging. In the early 20th century Lima began building mainline locomotives including the classic “Super-Power” 2-8-4 Berkshire. Later models included the Pacific, Mikado, and Allegheny. Diversification of the “Loco Works” led to the production of cranes, shovels and road-building machinery. During World War II, LLW manufactured more than 1,600 M4 Sherman tanks - the first of their type to appear in Europe and North Africa in 1942. Beyond its contributions to the transportation industry, the Lima Locomotive Works significantly affected the development of steam power technology.
Erected 2002 by The Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, The City of Lima, The Allen County Historical Society, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 1-2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Military • Natural Resources • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 40° 44.286′ N, 84° 5.351′ W. Marker is in Lima, Ohio, in Allen County. Marker is on Elm Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is in Lincoln Park, immediately south of the covered railroad exhibit area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lima OH 45804, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Nickel Plate Road Berkshire-Type Locomotive No. 779 (a few steps from this marker); Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad Station from Uniopolis, Ohio (a few steps from this marker); NKP Caboose No. 1091 (within shouting distance of this marker); James Daniel's Cabin (approx. 0.4 miles away); Faurot Oil Well (approx. 0.4 miles away); Historic House (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Interurban Era (approx. 0.7 miles away); Site Of Lima's First Cemetery (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lima.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 4,350 times since then and 134 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 15, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana.