Ottawa , Ontario — Central Canada

Rail Heritage in the Capital

Photographed By Robert Rusaw, April 12, 2022

1. Rail Heritage in the Capital Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The first rail line reached Ottawa (the Bytown) in 1854, opening the region to a new wave of commerce. By century's end, the track was part of a system reaching across Canada. In the heyday of rail, 10 companies operated in the Capital Region. In 1912, on of the largest among them, the Grand Trunk Railroad, opened Central Station (before you on the left bank of the canal). This architectural splendour, later renamed Union Station, opened its doors the same day as the Chateau Laurier (behind you), one of the many fine railway hotels built across Canada.

(French text not transcribed)

Erected by National Capital Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 45° 25.471′ N, 75° 41.67′ W. Marker is in Ottawa, Ontario. Marker is on Rideau Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ottawa ON K2P 2L6, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Rideau Canal (a few steps from this marker); Sappers’ Bridge (within shouting distance

Central Station/Union Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Robert Rusaw, April 12, 2022

2. Central Station/Union Station

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of this marker); Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant) (within shouting distance of this marker); Laura Secord, UE (within shouting distance of this marker); Lieutenant Colonel Charles-Michel d’Irumberry de Salaberry, CB (within shouting distance of this marker); Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada (within shouting distance of this marker); Château Laurier / Le Château Laurier (within shouting distance of this marker); Brigadier Andrew Hamilton Gault DSO, OBE, ED, CD. (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ottawa.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2022, by Robert Rusaw of Massena, New York. This page has been viewed 46 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 19, 2022, by Robert Rusaw of Massena, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.