Escanaba in Delta County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Peninsula Railroad
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 9, 2019
1. The Peninsula Railroad Marker
Starting in 1861, the Civil War tore apart the nation and resulted in the immediate need of iron ore to provide weapons for the North. William B. Ogden, an owner of the Chicago & Northwest Railroad Co., knew of the plentiful iron mines of the Upper Peninsula. After deciding it would take too long to further extend the railway north to Michigan, in 1862 Ogden 'leap-frogged' the wilderness to organize and build the Peninsula Railroad. This railroad was to run exclusively from Escanaba harbor to the Jackson Mines at Negaunee and then on to the mines in Marquette. At completion in 1863, the Peninsula railway was consolidated into the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. In the first year, 31,072 tons of iron ore was transported by rail to Escanaba harbor and shipped to mid-western mills along the Great Lakes.
Come all you bold sailors that follow the Lakes on an iron-ore vessel your living to make. I shipped in Chicago, bid adieu to the shore, bound away to Escanaba for red iron ore.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 45° 44.745′ N, 87° 2.859′ W. Marker is in Escanaba, Michigan, in Delta County. Marker is on Ludington Street east of South 2nd Street, on the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Iron Ore Centennial (here, next to this marker); The Ore Pellet (a few steps from this marker); Little Bay de Noc (a few steps from this marker); Before the Settlers (a few steps from this marker); Escanaba's Docks (a few steps from this marker); The Port - Early Years (a few steps from this marker); Escanaba (a few steps from this marker); The Port - Today (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Escanaba.
Also see . . .
1. William B. Ogden. Wikipedia article (Submitted on July 28, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. Red Iron Ore. The last paragraph is the first stanza of the song "Red Iron Ore". All 10 stanzas of the song can be found on the Song of America website. (Submitted on July 28, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, June 9, 2019
2. The Peninsula Railroad Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 255 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 28, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
