Michigan Rails question

[Crow T Robot]

What is the oldest still in service rail line in Michigan?

[MagnumForce]

The Erie and Kalamazoo which ran from Toledo to Adrian was the first railroad west of the Alleghenies so the oldest is "The Old Road". The portions remaining are the NS Clinton Industrial from the Ohio Line to the Elevator at Ottawa Lake and the Adrian and Blissfield from Riga to Adrian.

[sgavan]

I think I'd have to say portions of the Adrian & Blissfield are part of the original first line in Michigan that are still in use today. Of course in 1836 when it opened it used horses for power so maybe doesn't really count?
http://www.michiganrailroads.com/RRHX/T ... ne1836.htm

1836 Toledo - Adrian
http://www.michiganrailroads.com/RRHX/E ... er1836.htm

200?
http://www.michiganrailroads.com/RRHX/E ... er2005.htm

[Ben Higdon]

The portion of the A&B from Palmyra (just south of Lenawee Jct) to Blissfield is the original Erie & Kalamazoo.

Palmyra to Lenawee Jct was part of the Jackson branch, and Lenawee Jct to Adrian was part of the Michigan Southern between Monroe and Adrian. The original E&K grade from Palmyra to Adrian was abandoned around 1880.

[Clay320]

And the first branch line off of the Old Road was the Palmyra and Jacksonburgh. The line from Lenawee Jct to Clinton is now is now operated by the Southern Michigan Railroad Society. In 1963 Tracks were pulled back to Manchester and in 1965 were removed to Clinton. Conrail abandoned it in 1981 and we got it in 1985.


IIRC the interchange track that ADBF uses for NS is the remains of the original E&K line to Adrian.