Abandoned Rails: Jackson, MI to Franklin, OH

(Forwarded from the Cincinnati, Van Wert & Michigan Railroad)

This abandoned railway line began in Ohio as the Celina, Van Wert and State Line Railroad, in 1878. A narrow gauge line, it was converted to standard gauge in 1881. At some point, it became the Cincinnati, Van Wert and Michigan Railroad, and eventually connected Jackson, Michigan to Franklin, Ohio. In 1886, it became part of the Cincinnati, Jackson, and Mackinaw Railway. In the early 1890s, it merged with several other lines to become the Cincinnati Northern Railroad, under which the line was extended to Carlisle. It was purchased by the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and Saint Louis Railway (the "Big 4") in 1897, itself becoming part of the New York Central System, and later, the Penn Central in 1968.

In 1975, the portion from Cement City, Michigan, to Bryan, Ohio was abandoned. The segment from Van Wert to North Paulding was abandoned by Conrail in 1977. It is unclear when the rest of the line was abandoned, though much of it was gone by 1979 (based on railroad maps). Some portions of the line were torn up in the 1980s.

Today, only a few portions of the ROW are in use, used to connect various industries with other rail lines. Otherwise, the rest of the line remains undeveloped while other parts have been demolished due to agriculture.

Jim Peterman reports that the line between Carlisle and Germantown is owned and used by the Dupps Company, which builds commercial rendering equipment. They interchange with the CSX at Carlisle, and utilize a small GE 40-tonner for switching.

Thanks to Aaron M. for contributing information about this route.

This line passed through Hudson, MI where it intersected with the Lakeshore and Southern Michigan RR. The CN went under the LSM at almost precisely 90°, and although the tracks for both lines have long been removed, the stone structure remains. Of perhaps key interest, the CNRR depot was partially moved and still stands today. Immediately (less than 100 yards) east of the overpass is the LSM stone arch bridge; built in 1871, it is a State Historic Site. Roughly 1/4-mile north of the overpass is a smaller stone bridge dated 1922. All three structures are in remarkable condition, respected enough by locals that they have even escaped graffiti and vandalism even though they're in plain view. Some very good period pictures of both lines can be found here: http://www.hudsonpg.com/HTM%20FILES/MEMORY%20LANE/MEMORY%20LANE%201.htm

The portion from Ansonia to Greenville is still used by RJ Corman West-after the PC merger the portion from Meekers to Ansonia was used to connect the P.C.C. & StL (Bradford side) to the NYC Big Four into Union City.

The Cincinnati Northern ran diagonally through the corner of my Grandfathers farm cutting off about 22 acres on the other side of the track. The farm was located between Bryan and West Unity Ohio. In 1948 and engine derailed at an overpass in West Unity. The C&N crossed the Wabash in West Unity. It was not a regular run, but at times I saw an diesel Interurban go by the farm. I may have been transporting workers. One heavy rain washed out a section of track.

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Jackson, MI to Franklin, OH

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