Lima in Allen County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Shay Engine 10

Industry & Innovation • Lima, Oh

— Lima's Local History Hunt —

Shay Engine 10 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, April 25, 2026

1. Shay Engine 10 Marker

Inscription. The Shay engine, patented by Ephraim Shay, was developed by Lima Machine Works, later known as Lima Locomotive Works, in 1880. This engine transformed the logging and mining industries. Alongside the powerful A-1, designed for faster freight and passenger service, these locomotives cemented Lima's reputation in the steam era. Allen County Museum's Shay Engine 10, built in 1925 for the Lima Stone Company, now stands as a testament to this legacy. Today, it highlights the ingenuity and impact of Lima Locomotive Works' contributions to the steam locomotive industry.

Erected 2026 by America 250-Ohio Commission. (Marker Number 8.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the America 250: Ohio Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 40° 44.429′ N, 84° 6.812′ W. Marker is in Lima, Ohio, in Allen County. It can be reached from the intersection of West Market Street and North Metcalf Street, on the right when traveling west. Inside the Allen County Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 566 W Market St, Lima OH 45801, 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 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: Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co. (a few steps from this marker); Neon Plant (a few steps from this marker); Hall Of Valor

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Lima Cord And Sole Company (within shouting distance of this marker); White House Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Log House (within shouting distance of this marker); The MacDonnell House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Macdonell House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lima.

Shay Engine 10 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by 2, April 25, 2026

2. Shay Engine 10

[Marker can be seen within yellow circle on left]

America 250-Ohio Commission image. Click for full size.

Photographed by America 250-Ohio Commission

3. America 250-Ohio Commission

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 21 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 1, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.