Marquette in Marquette County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First Steam Railroad in Upper Peninsula
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2022
1. First Steam Railroad in Upper Peninsula Marker
On this site in 1852, the Green Bay and Lake Superior Rail-Road began the survey which led to the construction of the first steam railroad in the Upper Peninsula. The railroad ran from Marquette to the Jackson and Cleveland iron mines fourteen miles away. In 1855 the building of the railroad along the previously surveyed route was begun by the Iron Mountain Railroad Company. By 1857 it was hauling ore from the mines to Marquette. It later became part of the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic Railroad, which has operated since 1961 as the Soo Line. This railroad, and others like it, carried millions of tons of ore, the basic raw material for the rapidly developing steel industry in the United States.
Erected 1977 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S477.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 46° 32.604′ N, 87° 23.454′ W. Marker is in Marquette, Michigan, in Marquette County. It is on North Lakeshore Boulevard just north of East Washington Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and on Lake Superiors South Shore Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Marquette Fire Department (within shouting distance of this marker); Marquette's Fire Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower Harbor Ore Dock (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War II "Silent Service" Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Janzen House (approx. Ό mile away); Lake Superior Art Association (approx. Ό mile away); Jacques Marquette (approx. Ό mile away); Marquette County Courthouse (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marquette.
More about this marker. Both sides of this marker have the same inscription.
Also see . . . A Timeline History of The Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railroad.
1844 Iron ore discovered near Negaunee in the Marquette Range is deemed feasible to mine, but it had to be moved to Marquette (12 miles away) tor shipment across the Great Lakes.(Submitted on September 13, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)1855 The Iron Mountain Railroad is incorporated with the goal of connecting Negaunee with Marquette by steam-powered trains.
1857 The Iron Mountain Railroad and The Iron Mountain Railway are consolidated and
construction is completed from Marquette to Negaunee. The Upper Peninsula has its first steam railroad, with the ability to move over 1,000 tons of ore a dayPhotographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 20222. First Steam Railroad in Upper Peninsula Marker(looking west • North Lakeshore Boulevard in background)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 6, 2022
3. First Steam Railroad in Upper Peninsula Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 652 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 12, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
