Station: Buchanan, MI

Buchanan in Berrien County was settled in 1833. It was first called McCoy's Creek. It became a village in 1858 and a city in 1929. [MPN] Buchanan was on the Michigan Central railroad's main line, about six miles west of Niles. A Pere Marquette branch line ran from Benton Harbor south to Buchanan via Berrien Springs.

Photo info: Top, the Michigan Central depot at Buchanan with a passenger train taking on passengers. [Alan Loftis Collection], Below, another early photograph of the same station with elevator in the background. Date unknown.

Notes

Time Line

1872. It is probable that the track of the MC road will be shortened 3/4 of a mile between Niles and Buchanan. Surveyors are now on the line surveying for double track and if found feasible the change here indicated will be made. [NREP-1872-0314]

1875. August. A diabolical attempt to wreck a train on the MC was made 1½ miles west of Niles near the Buchanan bridge. The double track was piled with heavy planks and ties. The Niles road train ran into the obstructions, the front wheels climbing them and the drive wheels cutting two of the planks in two, but fortunately they did not throw the engine from the track. The next train due was No. 17, a stock train, but the intent of the villains was to catch the accommodation which was due shortly. The obstacles were upon a short curve in the track. If the fast passenger train would have collided with them the result would have been very disastrous. [DFP-1875-0804]

1875. Benjamin Hudson of Niles was arrested by Sheriff Weimer on a charge of indecent exposure, somewhere on a MC train and was taken to Buchanan this morning. [NREP-1875-0909]

1880. The MC has lately completed 300 feet of additional side track at Buchanan. [NREP-1881-0113]

1881. The work of changing the bed of the St. Joseph Valley railroad track at the depot so that a train may run along side of the MC warehouse was done Saturday. The work of building the new warehouse and office is being done this week. [SJH-1881-1008]

1882. The MC has put in another side track at Buchanan to run on the north side of the passenger depot and run along side the St. Joseph Valley track. It will add to convenience in the transfer of freight. [NREP-1882-0831]

1883. August. Lightning struck the MC telegraph office at Buchanan, knocked a student and his chair endwise, and set fire to the office. Mrs. Bennett, the operator, rescued the instruments and then, with the help of the student, put out the fire. [WEX-1993-0802]

1902. The MBH&C builds a new passenger station and freight depot in Buchanan. [MCR-1902]

1903. The Pere Marquette takes over operations of the MBH&C.

1917. The MC had an operator-agent here on the day shift. [TRT]

1920. This is a passenger ticket and freight agency. Interline tickets are also kept in stock. J. H. Heckathorn is the agent. The telegraph call sign is "UN". [MCOAS]

1936. The old MC depot, built in the late 1870's is being remodeled by the company. Work was started tearing down the old freight house which is more than 60 years old. The new freight office will be located in the remodeled depot. For the last six years, the railroad has not had a ticket agent here. Daniel Robe, who was the agent here for many years, was transferred to Galien in 1930. The Buchanan freight agent will handle both duties in the remodeled depot. [HP-1936-1125]