Sylvania in Lucas County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad

Ohio Historical Marker

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, February 20, 2010

1. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker

Inscription. This rail line was the original route of the Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad, the first railroad to operate west of the Allegheny Mountains. The train made its initial run on October 3, 1836 from Toledo to Adrian, a total of approximately thirty miles. In 1837, a steam locomotive replaced horses as the train's engine. The E. & K. R.R. opened markets from Lake Erie to the Michigan Territory.

Erected 1999 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, City of Sylvania, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 32-48.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Erie & Kalamazoo Railroad, and the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1825.

Location. 41° 42.936′ N, 83° 42.296′ W. Marker is in Sylvania, Ohio, in Lucas County. Marker is on Monroe Street, 0.1 miles west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west. This historical marker is located in downtown Sylvania where Monroe Street crosses the railroad tracks, on the north side of Monroe Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sylvania OH 43560, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. Remembering With Honor (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Toledo and Western Railway Company (about 600 feet away); Sister City Garden (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sylvania Heritage Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1858 Railroad Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1850 Barn (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stone Academy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Log Home (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sylvania.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, February 20, 2010

2. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker

Close-up view of the historical marker showing the image of the Erie & Kalamazoo Railroad train and coach car.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, February 20, 2010

3. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker

View looking north of the railroad tracks, with the historical marker on the left side of the picture, situated on the west side of the railroad tracks and on the north side of Monroe Street.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, February 20, 2010

4. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker

View looking west on Monroe Street with the historical marker in the foreground.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, February 20, 2010

5. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad Marker

View looking south with historical marker in the foreground.

Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad image. Click for full size.

Illustration by Henry Howe, circa 1909

6. Erie and Kalamazoo Railroad

Illustration of the Erie and Kalamazoo, called "the pioneer railroad of the West," from Henry Howe's "Historical Collection of Ohio," 1909. The E&K was the first railroad operated west of the Alleghenies, chartered in 1833 to connect Port Lawrence (later renamed Toledo) with the Kalamazoo River. Source: The Ohio History Connection Collection

Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,356 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 20, 2010, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 6. submitted on February 24, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.