Railroad: Port Huron and Detroit Railroad Company

The Port Huron and Detroit railroad was organized in1901 and built from Port Huron to Marysville. This may have been original Port Huron and Southern railroad. It was extended to Marine City in 1918. The line was purchased by the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad in 1984 and became part of CSX in 1997. [MRL]

Port Huron & Southern railroad → Port Huron & Detroit Railroad → Chesapeake & Ohio → CSX

Built: 1901 to Marysville by the PH&S.

Operated for 83 Years.

Sold: 1984 - to Chesapeake & Ohio railroad.

Reference: [MRRC]

Photo Info: Port Huron & Detroit No.62 Alco-built S-4 switcher near St. Clair in a postcard view. [Dale Berry collection]

Notes

This line continues to be operated by CSX. The company has trackage rights on the CN from Flint to Port Huron/Sarnia to bring freight cars to and from this line.

Time Line

1901. Line is built from Port Huron to Marysville by the Port Huron & Southern railroad. [MRL]

1918. Extended line from Marysville to Marine City.

1923. The PH&D merges with the PH&S. [MRL]

1944. During World War II about 70% of the freight handled between Port Huron and Marine City is for government use. Three trains operate on a daily schedule to serve Port Huron and down river War plants, by handling the movement of freight and performing incidental switching necessary to plant operation. At Marine City the PH&D has connections for interchange of cars with the Algonac Transit company and at Port Huron with the PM and GTW railways. [PHTH-1944-0120]

1944. Since the United States entered the war, the PH&D has been actively engaged in the transportation of commodities vital to the Army and Navy. During 1943, three trains daily carried a half million tons of freight between Port Huron and Marine City. This includes Chris-Craft boats, salt, automobile parts, magnesium, plastics and other essentials. To cope with the volume, the company's roadbed is being re-ballasted and new rail will be laid as soon as materials are released by the War Production board. Four steam locomotives and 458 80,000 capacity box cars are owned by the company, whose line runs from Tappan Junction to Marine City. [PHTH-1944-0628]

1945. Addition of a new high-powered diesel locomotive is the latest improvement to the equipment of the PH&D railroad. The new locomotive was placed in operation with the appropriate ceremonies June 5, including a test run on the line. [PHTH-1945-0627]

1946. One of the most progressive short lines in the country, the PH&D operates on a daily schedule between Port Huron and Marine City. In the last few months they have converted entirely to diesel power and completely remodeled their shop and roundhouse to handle this type of locomotion. Railroad men from distant points have come to Port Huron to look over the facilities. [PHTH-1946-0626]

1947. Even with its record operation, the PH&D is still operating at only 50% of its present capacity. George Y. Duffey is general manager. [PHTH-1947-0627]

1949. The PH&D hauls an average of 18,000 carloads of freight a year with its two 660-horsepower diesels. The latest improvement to the line's operation is the new building addition on the two-story office building at 2100 32nd Street. The line employs 65 persons including office staff, three train crews, shop and section hand personnel. W.N. Boyd is superintendent of the road. [PHTH-1949-0101]

1984. The PH&D is purchased by the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad. Becomes CSX in 1997.