Station: Grand Ledge, MI

Grand Ledge, at the northern edge of Eaton County, was settled on the Grand River in 1831. The first permanent settlement here was in 1848. The town was incorporated as a village in 1871 and a city in 1893.

A line which later became the Pere Marquette from Lansing to Ionia came through here in 1869. This line was ultimately built west to Howard City in 1871 and east through Plymouth to Detroit in 1871. In 1888, the main line was routed along a new route from Grand Ledge west to Grand Rapids and beyond and the route to Howard City was reduced to a branch line. It was cut back to Ionia in 1942, Portland in 1983 and cut back further to just local industry in 1896. The main line to Grand Rapids, now under CSX ownership, continues to exist today.

Photo info: Top, a Pere Marquette passenger train heads past a "banjo" block signal near Grand Ledge. 2nd photo, the Pere Marquette depot at Grand Ledge. Note the train at the rear and the horse-drawn dray in front. 3rd photo, the CSX freight house at Grand Ledge in 2004. [Nathan Nietering]

Notes

Time Line

1879. A DL&N freight train broke a draw bar about two miles from Grand Ledge. Several cars jumped the track which delayed all regular trains and two excursions nearly two yours. 1,500 men, women and children from the excursion trains descended on the village of Grand Ledge in an unexpected visit. [DFP-1879-0527]

1881. The DL&N built a new water tower here. [DL&N-1881]

1890's: There were as many as 11 special excursion trains in Grand Ledge, from Detroit, Toledo and even Traverse City. [I&L]

1891. In 1891 the DL&N passenger station was moved here from West Grand Ledge. This depot was torn down in the 1970's. [DL&N-1891][I&L]

1902. At Grand Ledge, the yard is protected by electric block signals. [MCR-1903]

1905. The PM builds a new, heavier bridge at Grand Ledge, replacing a 469' previous version. [PMAR-1905]

1907. The PM annual report notes that a new Hall signal was erected here. [PMAR-1907]

Industry

• Beech Brothers Foundry and agricultural implements (destroyed by fire in 1882)
• F. M. Blair Oil refinery. 1939-1941. Served by PM. [MW]