Industry: Russel Wheel and Foundry Company, Detroit, MI

Brothers George, Walter and John Russel founded the Russel Wheel & Foundry Company in 1886. Their company mainly produced railcars designed to facilitate the logging industry that had expanded greatly in Michigan. They created an 8-wheel logging car that became an industry standard. By the end of the 1880's, about 40% of all railroad logging cars in the United States came from their factory.

The RW&F branched out to other sectors, which included architectural and structural iron. They spearheaded construction of the Detroit Iron & Steel plant, the Detroit Copper & Brass mill, and the superstructure for the Cadillac Tower.

Located at Joseph Campau Avenue and the MC Belt Line railroad.

Rail service: MC Belt Line.


Notes


Time Line

Bibliography

The following sources are utilized in this website. [SOURCE-YEAR-MMDD-PG]:

  • [AAB| = All Aboard!, by Willis Dunbar, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids ©1969.
  • [AAN] = Alpena Argus newspaper.
  • [AARQJ] = American Association of Railroads Quiz Jr. pamphlet. © 1956
  • [AATHA] = Ann Arbor Railroad Technical and Historical Association newsletter "The Double A"
  • [AB] = Information provided at Michigan History Conference from Andrew Bailey, Port Huron, MI

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