Bellefontaine in Logan County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Railroad in Logan County
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Railroad YMCA
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, September 23, 2014
1. The Railroad in Logan County Marker
close up of side A
Side A-
The Railroad in Logan County
Bellefontaine was a railroad town from the 1890s to the 1950s. The city was the site of one of the largest roundhouses and repair centers on the Big Four/New York Central Lines and trains stopped here to have steam engines serviced and to switch crews. Up to ninety freight trains and over forty passenger trains came to Bellefontaine each day. The railroad was a major employer in Logan County. Over two hundred employees worked at the roundhouse and shops at any one time and many others were members of train crews, Bellefontaines importance as a railroad center waned in the 1960s with the increased use of diesel engines, newer technology, and other modes of transportation. Yet, the railroad and its workers left an indelible mark on the history of Bellefontaine.
Side B-
Railroad YMCA
Bellefontaines significance as a railroad town brought many railroad workers to the area. The workers who did not live here needed a place to stay and eat while they waited for their next shifts. In 1901 the Big Four Railroad opened its first YMCA in Bellefontaine and in 1923 built a larger building at this site to house and feed its transitory employees. The building contained forty-nine small bedrooms, a restaurant, and
this page online
Erected 2010 by Levi W. Lile & Nancy Nicholl Lile, The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 12-46.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • 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 1901.
Location. 40° 21.708′ N, 83° 45.792′ W. Marker is in Bellefontaine, Ohio, in Logan County. It is at the intersection of North Elm Street and West Columbus Avenue, on the right when traveling north on North Elm Street. Marker is in a small park at the west of the Bellefontaine Municipal Court Building. It is at the northeast corner of North Elm, and West Columbus Avenue, the site of the old YMCA. Bellefontaine Municipal Court is located at 226 West Columbus Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 North Elm, Bellefontaine OH 43311, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Till Plains. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Free Servicemen's Canteen, 1942-1946 (within shouting distance of this marker); H.M. Annat Dry Goods & Montgomery Ward Store
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, September 23, 2014
2. Railroad YMCA Marker
close up of side B
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, September 23, 2014
3. The Railroad in Logan County Marker
from Elm Street
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, September 23, 2014
4. Railroad YMCA Marker
full view
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, April 10, 2015
5. The Railroad in Logan County Marker
View of marker, looking west, with a distant view of the railroad crossing on West Columbus Avenue, with a freight train using the crossing.
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick
6. Railroad YMCA
old post card from the personal effects of the late Frances Johnston Clapp.
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, September 23, 2014
7. Levi Lile Law Office
across the street (Elm Street) from the marker
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, September 23, 2014
8. Another Small Marker
small bronze plaque on picnic table next to marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2014, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,362 times since then and 81 times this year. Last updated on June 21, 2023, by Grant & Mary Ann Fish of Galloway, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 23, 2014, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 5. submitted on April 24, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 23, 2014, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
