Goshen in Elkhart County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
A History of the Winona
Winona Railway Trail
Photographed by Duane Hall, May 28, 2014
1. A History of the Winona Marker
In the early 1900's, Indiana had more miles of electric train lines than any other state in the United States. The lines blossomed primarily at Indianapolis, radiating out to transport people and goods to and from the bustling city. Indianapolis lines ran only as far north as Peru and northern Indiana lines ran only as far south as Goshen. A link between the two quickly became necessary.
In 1910, the link was created: the Winona Interurban Railway Company connected Goshen, Warsaw and Peru with sixty-five miles of trail. This additional line made it possible to travel from Michigan City to Indianapolis and back again in the same day.
In 1926 the line, now the Winona Railway Company, focused less on passenger service and more on freight service. In 1934, passenger service ceased all together. The transportation of eggs, coal, and sand became the main business for the line. Soon after this transition, diesel and gas engines replaced the electric locomotives.
In 1945, competition from the flourishing trucking industry threatened the stability of the Winona Railroad Company. After a difficult seven year period, it was forced to shut down due to financial losses. The final train rain in 1952.
Erected by Goshen Parks & Recreation Department.
Topics. This historical
this page online
Location. 41° 33.656′ N, 85° 49.569′ W. Marker is in Goshen, Indiana, in Elkhart County. It can be reached from S. Main Street (State Road 15) south of Westwood Road. Marker is located on the Winona Railway Trail at the southern edge of Goshen College; the above directions are to the driveway to the nearest college parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Goshen IN 46526, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Indiana and in Greater South Bend. 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 territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pioneer Dierdorff Cemetery Folk Lore (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Goshen College (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Goshen Dam and Millrace Hydraulic Canal (approx. half a mile away); The Engines of the Winona (approx. 0.7 miles away); A History of the Winona / Bethany Christian Schools (approx. one mile away); Violett Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Lincoln Highway (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named The Lincoln Highway (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Goshen.
Additional commentary.
1. Identical Marker
This marker is identical to the A History of the Winona marker
Photographed by Duane Hall, May 28, 2014
2. Close-up of Image on Marker
— Submitted June 5, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
Photographed by Duane Hall, May 28, 2014
3. Winona Railway Trail
The trail occupies the former right-of-way of the Winona Railway
Photographed by Duane Hall, May 28, 2014
4. A History of the Winona Marker
Photographed by Duane Hall, May 28, 2014
5. Winona Railway Trail
This side of the marker provides information
and a map on the Winona Railway Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 695 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 5, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
