South Russell in Geauga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Chagrin Falls & Eastern Railway

Eastern Ohio Traction Company

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 22, 2019

1. Chagrin Falls & Eastern Railway Marker, side one

Inscription. From east to west, the Chagrin Falls and Eastern Interurban Railway crossed the Muggleton Farm (now South Russell Village Park) at this location and connected the Chagrin Valley with Hiram, Garrettsville, and Middlefield. Its sister interurban, the Cleveland and Chagrin Falls Electric Railway served points west. Soon after their formation, the Everett-Moore Syndicate merged the two lines into the extensive Interurban rail network, The Eastern Ohio Traction Company. The EOTC and its predecessors operated from 1899-1925, mainly moving mail, farm goods, and passengers. In 1914, the more rural line from Chagrin Falls traveling eastward became the first major interurban in the United States to cease operations. It is believed that declining use, insufficient power for the railway, and a failed line extension to Youngstown were likely factors contributing to the line’s demise.

Interurban transportation stimulated growth within the Chagrin Valley during the early 20th century. The interurban provided faster, more reliable transportation than using horse drawn wagons. As the century progressed, automobiles and

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better paved roadways brought an end to the interurban era. Looking eastward, a section of interurban track is visible near the entrance to a walking trail constructed over the original CF&E right-of-way, as an Eagle Scout project. The restored, interurban railcar wheels on display were found in this park in 2011.

Erected 2013 by South Russell Village and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 17-28.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 41° 25.469′ N, 81° 21.564′ W. Marker is in South Russell, Ohio, in Geauga County. It can be reached from the intersection of Washington Street and Savage Road (County Route 190), on the right when traveling west. It is in South Russell Village Park and can be seen in the far distance from the park’s southern parking lot on Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7900 Washington St, Chagrin Falls OH 44022, United States of America.

Chagrin Falls & Eastern Railway Marker, side two image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 22, 2019

2. Chagrin Falls & Eastern Railway Marker, side two

Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cleveland

and in the Western Reserve.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: South Russell Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away); Honor Roll (approx. 1.7 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away); The Chagrin River's "High Falls" (approx. 1.7 miles away); Marguerite Kelly (approx. 1.8 miles away); Joseph Stoneman House (approx. 1.8 miles away); Chagrin Falls Township Hall (approx. 1.8 miles away); Building History (approx. 2.9 miles away).

Chagrin Falls & Eastern Railway Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 22, 2019

3. Chagrin Falls & Eastern Railway Marker

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 22, 2019

4. Chagrin Falls & Eastern Railway Marker

The South Russell Village Park’s Interurban Trail runs through the trees in the center of the photograph.

View of the Interurban Trail Near Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 22, 2019

5. View of the Interurban Trail Near Marker

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 22, 2019

6. Chagrin Falls & Eastern Railway Marker

View is on approach through the mowed trail from the parking lot.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,383 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 25, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.