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Railroad’s history saluted today

Historical markers to be dedicated for first railroad built west of the Allegheny Mountains.

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By Matt Sanctis, Staff Writer Updated 11:40 PM Friday, June 5, 2009

URBANA — Officials from across the state and county are expected to gather in Urbana today, June 6, for the dedication of historical markers for a local railroad.

The ceremony will honor the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad at the New York Central Freight Station, at 519 Miami St., said Ken Davis, a member of the Champaign County Bicentennial Historical Marker Committee.

The railroad played a big role in the region’s history, Davis said. It connected Lake Erie and west central Ohio.

“That railroad is the first railroad built west of the Allegheny Mountains,” Davis said.

The historical markers will be dedicated by the historical marker committee and the West Central Ohio Port Authority.

The Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad eventually connected with the Little Miami Railroad in Springfield, which also connected to Cincinnati. Essentially, Davis said, the railroad made the state’s canal system obsolete.

Today, track is owned by the West Central Port Authority with representatives from Fayette, Clark and Champaign counties.

Along with Clark and Champaign county commissioners, members of the Ohio Historical Society and the Ohio Department of Agriculture are also expected to attend the ceremony.

Davis said between 75 and 100 people will be in attendance.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.