Kelleys Island in Erie County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Small, but Mighty
| — | Kelleys Island State Park | — |
Photographed by Craig Doda, July 4, 2026
1. The Small, but Mighty Marker
The first island railroad was built in 1854, just 500 feet long. It used gravity to move loaded cars downhill and horses to pull empty ones back up. As the island's quarrying industry grew, so did the need for better transport—enter the Shay Locomotive.
Over time, KIL&T owned and operated dozens of locomotives—the largest fleet in the country for an operation of its kind.
Built in 1898 by Lima Locomotive Works, Shay Engines were perfect for the quarry's rough terrain.
• Narrow body: Easy to move through tight spaces
• Geared drive: Powerful enough to pull heavy loads slowly but steadily
Ohio Department Of Natural Resources, Ohio State Parks & Watercraft
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.
Location. 41° 37.073′ N, 82° 42.433′ W. Marker is on Kelleys Island, Ohio, in Erie County. It is at the intersection of Division Street and Titus Road, on the left when traveling north on Division Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 938 Division St, Kelleys Island OH 43438,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, on the Great Lakes, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in 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: The Crusher Process (within shouting distance of this marker); Columbus Limestone / Kelleys Island Lime & Transport Co. (within shouting distance of this marker); The Crusher Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Quarrying (about 600 feet away); Island History (about 600 feet away); Welcome to Glacial Grooves Geological Preserve (about 600 feet away); Excavation (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named The Crusher Trail (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kelleys Island.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Glacial Grooves State Memorial
Photographed by Craig Doda, July 4, 2026
2. The Small, but Mighty Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 16, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
