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 5' 6" gauge to the U.S. standard of 4' 8½" . 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 and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 42° 19.213′ N, 83° 2.432′ W. Marker is in Windsor, Ontario, in Essex County. It is at the intersection of Viale Udine and Ouellette Ave, on the left when traveling east on Viale Udine.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area and in Southwestern Ontario. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Rupert’s Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Rt. Hon. Herb Gray, PC., C.C., Q.C. (here, next to this marker); French Settlement on the South Shore (here, next to this marker); The Detroit River (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Francois Baby House / La Maison Baby (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); The Battle of Windsor - 1838 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823-1893) (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The Underground Railroad in Canada (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Original Home of Major F.A. Tilston V.C. Armoury (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Windsor.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 712 times since then and 26 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on January 3, 2017, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Need photo of marker in context, near its "new" location near the Great Canadian Flag. • Can you help?
