Station: Carsonville, MI

Carsonville was settled about 1853 as Hall's Corners. It was renamed when the railroad came through. It became a village in 1887. [MPN]

Carsonville is located in east central Sanilac County, about seven miles east of Sandusky. It was a station stop on the Pere Marquette railroad line between Saginaw and Port Huron.

Photo Info: Top, an early view of the PM Carsonville depot. [CMUL]. 2nd photo, the PM depot and elevator at Carsonville, with a passenger train taking on passengers and a mixed train on the siding. [Alan Loftis collection] 3rd photo, another photo of the depot in 1972. This may be a different depot or it simply may have a different roof. [Michael Frezell collection]

Notes

Time Line

1891. October. A fire broke out in the Village of Carsonville this evening near the Carson House, and swept through the main street, laying a considerable part of the business  portion of the village in ashes. A strong wind prevailed at the time and the flames spread rapidly. This much was learned before telegraph and telephone offices went down.

The village, with 600 inhabitants is on the Sand Beach division of the F&PM and lies in the townships of Washington and Bridgehampton in Sanilac County. It has, or had, a steam flouring mill, steam saw-mill, two banks, three grain elevators, about 30 stores and shops, four hotels and a cheese factory. Like all villages in the 'Thumb', it was mainly constructed of wood and ill prepared to withstand a serious conflagration when fanned by strong winds. 'DFP-1891-1031]

1898. The F&PM had a 60-car passing siding here as well as locomotive coaling facilities. They also had a daytime station agent/operator.