Railroad: Bay City and Battle Creek Railway Company

Built → Bay City and Battle Creek Railway → MCRR

This railroad was operated between West Bay City (a connection on the MC's Mackinaw Branch) and Midland, a total of 18 miles along with another 10 miles of sidings and spurs. It was standard gauge.

Chartered: 1889.

Built: 1889 from BC&BC Junction (near Wenona) to Midland.

Operated: Less than 1 Year

Leased to: Michigan Central RR in 1890. Acquired in 1916.

Acquired: The Hecla Belt Line in 1912.

Reference: [MRRC]

Notes

The junction for this line is west Bay city was referred to as "B,.C. and B.C. Junction", named after the official name of the railroad. Today, the junction is referred to by the Huron & Eastern as Midland Junction.

Time Line

1889. The construction gang of the Toledo, Saginaw & Mackinaw railroad created quite a sensation in West Bay City by beginning early in the morning on a bold proceeding. Since the road reached West Bay City it has used the track of the Battle Creek & Bay City railroad for a distance of about five blocks. The latter road, which has been idle for six months, had a track upon the street which was afterward granted to the use of the TS&M. At the last meeting of the Common Council of West Bay City a resolution was passed instructing the marshal to tear up the tracks of the BC&BC and place the streets which it crossed in passable condition. 

Yesterday the construction gang of the other road did the business. They tore up the rails, ties, planking and everything except the roadbed. Then they proceeded to put down new ties, rails and planking in exactly the same place. This was completed before dusk. The track of the BC&BC was thrown alongside the roadbed. The superintendent of construction to-day had nothing to say about the proceeding except that he was acting under instructions. He says that the Battle Creek & Bay City road may use his track if it so desires. [DFP-1889-1231]

1891. The Michigan Central purchased the Bay City & Battle Creek railroad some time ago, and now invites the West Bay City people who gave notes to the new road by way of a bonus to step up and settle. A considerable number have paid. [NDS-1891-1007]