Time Line - 1848

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• February 10: The Lake Superior iron region produces its first iron.  They did not ship iron "ore" until later. [MSL]

• May 30: New Michigan Central depot west of Third Street near the river, opens in Detroit. [DWS/AAD]

• December 1: Michigan Central Railroad reaches Niles. [MCR-75/ IT-12/79/AAD]  Also noted as being October 1, 1848 by [MT]  [MCR-75] dates this as "Autumn, 1848".

• The Erie and Kalamazoo is purchased by out-of-state interests and changed to standard gauge. It had been 4' 10" gauge. [AAD]

• The Illinois and Michigan Canal opens from Chicago to the Mississippi River. The opening creates a large demand for pine lumber from Michigan. [MH-11/1993]

• The Michigan Central Railroad removed its line in Detroit along Michigan Avenue to Woodward, after the passenger depot was changed to the foot of Third Street. [HWC]

• Schenectady Locomotive Works is founded. They create their first engine, "Lightening". [SAM] 

Time line Key:

• Railroad event in Michigan
• Event relating to mining
• Event related to car ferries
• Event outside of Michigan
• Improvement in Technology
• Railroad built or extended
• Railroad abandoned and/or removed
• Economic panic or depression