Marshall in Calhoun County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Interurban / Interurban Depot
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021
1. The Interurban Marker
The Interurban
The Jackson and Battle Creek Traction Company began interurban service to Marshall in 1903. Its electric trains were powered by overhead lines in towns and by a sometimes deadly third rail in the countryside. Often just a single car, they provided local and limited service along the forty-five miles between Battle Creek and Jackson. Other lines carried passengers on to Detroit and Grand Rapids. The original fare was one and a half cents per mile with a five cent minimum.
Interurban Depot
The Marshall interurban depot was located at what is now 220 West Michigan Avenue. Built in 1903, the depot had a waiting room, a freight house, and an electrical transformer. Originally serving the route from Jackson to Battle Creek, with regular stops in Albion, Marshall and Parma, the interurban ran hourly. Consolidated with the Michigan United Railway Company in 1906, it began to decline with the automobile’s rise. The last interurban rolled out of Marshall on December 1, 1928.
Erected 2012 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2247.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included
this page online
Location. 42° 16.329′ N, 84° 57.728′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Michigan, in Calhoun County. Marker is on Michigan Avenue, 0.1 miles west of North Grand Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 W Michigan Ave, Marshall MI 49068, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Interurban Depot Gasoline Museum (a few steps from this marker); The Wolverine Rangers (within shouting distance of this marker); Stage Coach Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stagecoach Inn (within shouting distance of this marker); First Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Eagle Opera House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); James A. Miner (about 300 feet away); Pioneer School (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021
2. Interurban Depot Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021
3. The Interurban / Interurban Depot Marker
Photographed By John Garman, May 31, 2023
4. The Interurban Depot Marker
In the background is a mural with two of the three panels dedicated to the Interurban Depot and an Electric Train.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 199 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on June 12, 2023, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
