Grosse Ile in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Michigan Central Railroad
Trains in the Life of Grosse Ile
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 9, 2020
1. Michigan Central Railroad: Trains in the Life of Grosse Ile Marker
Few islands have been so impacted by transportation.
Grosse Ile witnessed shipping on the Detroit River before the Canada Southern railway opened bridge access between the mainland and the island in 1873. Later, Michigan Central Railroad offered everyday travel by residents and visitors across the bridge and on to Detroit and elsewhere. But the Michigan Central Railroad couldn't compete with the automobiles that began crossing at the new Toll Bridge in 1913. In 1928 the Michigan Central discontinued service to Grosse Ile. By 1931 its main line had become Grosse Ile Parkway and the depot was left as a reminder of railroad days on the island.
You Auto Know
The Depot and Customs House are within Grosse Ile's East River Road Historic District.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 42° 7.557′ N, 83° 8.499′ W. Marker is in Grosse Ile, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East River Road and Grosse Ile Parkway, on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The End of the Line (a few steps from this marker); Rails Through Grosse Ile (a few steps from this marker); Across the Water (within shouting distance of this marker); The Livingstone Channel (within shouting distance of this marker); Recording Movements (within shouting distance of this marker); St. James Episcopal Chapel (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Military Outpost (approx. 0.4 miles away); Grosse Ile Treaty Tree (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grosse Ile.
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Ile Historical Society.
2. Michigan Central Railroad: Trains in the Life of Grosse Ile Marker — upper left image
The loading platform at the depot, about 1910. Trains were backed to the depot for departure. Resident businessmen took the train to work in Detroit and elsewhere.
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Ile Historical Society.
3. Michigan Central Railroad: Trains in the Life of Grosse Ile Marker - lower far left image
A first class ticket with "Grosse Isle" spelling before the 1920s. Later residents demanded the return to the French "Ile" spelling and "eel" pronunciation.
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Ile Historical Society.
4. Michigan Central Railroad: Trains in the Life of Grosse Ile Marker — lower near left image
Michigan Central timetable, about 1900, including stops between Detroit and Toledo.
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Ile Historical Society.
5. Michigan Central Railroad: Trains in the Life of Grosse Ile Marker — lower near right image
Travelers standing in the baggage room door, about 1910. The railroad brought visitors and summer residents to the island and allowed the hotel and boarding house business to thrive.
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Ile Historical Society.
6. Michigan Central Railroad: Trains in the Life of Grosse Ile Marker — lower far right image
Looking west from the river, about 1910. The new Michigan Central depot is to the left, and a few rail cars are stored along the original Canada Southern main line. The bridge to Stony Island has been removed, leaving only the stone abutment at the water's edge.
Photo courtesy of the Grosse Ile Historical Society.
7. Michigan Central Railroad: Trains in the Life of Grosse Ile Marker — upper right image
The depot, about 1910. In the foreground is the rail spur that brought trains to the level of the station.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 9, 2020
8. Michigan Central Railroad Marker
Marker is at the northeast corner of the train station.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 272 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 13, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
