Windsor in Essex County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Great Western Railway
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 29, 1995
1. The Great Western Railway Marker
The main line of “The Great Western”, from Niagara Falls through Hamilton and London to Windsor, was opened in 1854. The company extended its line from Hamilton to Toronto in 1855, from Komoka to Sarnia in 1858, and from Glencoe to Fort Erie (the “loop line”) in 1873. “The Great Western” was an important connecting link for through traffic between railways in Michigan and New York states. This necessitated conversion from the original 56 gauge to the U.S. standard of 4’8 ½”. The railway was one of the earliest to use sleeping and dining cars. In 1882 “The Great Western” merged with “The Grand Trunk Railway Company” under the latter’s name.
Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 42° 19.217′ N, 83° 2.305′ W. Marker is in Windsor, Ontario, in Essex County. Marker is at the intersection of Riverside Drive E and Gayeau Street on Riverside Drive E. The marker is located in Riverfront Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Windsor ON N9A, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Underground Railroad in Canada (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line);
this page online
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 29, 1995
2. Locomotive 5588-Canadian National-Spirit of Windsor
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 507 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
