Railroad: Ionia and Lansing Rail Road Company, The

Built → Ionia and Lansiing Rail Road → Detroit Lansing & Lake Michigan railroad

Built: 1869 from Lansing to Portland

Operated for 2 years.

Became: Detroit, Lansing & Lake Michigan - 1871

Reference: [MRRC]

Notes

The Ionia and Lansing railroad was organized by residents along the line who wanted rail service between the two communities. It was funded by local donations, sale of stock, tax schemes, local government support, and volunteer labor. It was also expected to be a part of a larger railroad starting in Detroit and the west side of the state via Howell and Lansing. James Joy, the attorney for the Michigan Central joined the I&L board and the MCRR guaranteed the I&L bonds within a year or two of laying track. [I&L]

Joy and the MCRR were a positive influence on this project by agreeing to trackage rights on their Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw railroad between Lansing and North Lansing. There is evidence that the I&L purchased land on either side of the JL&S which were used for the union station and freight house. [I&L]

Time Line

1865. The organization is chartered. [I&L]

1869. Detroit attorney James F. Joy joins the I&L board of directors. [I&L]

1869. November 18. A round trip train is scheduled between Lansing and Portland, the trip taking 2 hours and 15 minutes, with 6 stops along the way. Trains are run on "Lansing Time". [Portland Advertiser]

1870. The railroad reaches Greenville.

1871. October. The railroad reaches Howard City. By this time, the I&L offered service through to Detroit through friendly connections. [I&L]

Below, an 1870 flyer for the Ionia and Lansing Railroad.