Location: Jackson, MI - MCRR Facilities

The Michigan Central had several very large locomotive and car shops at Jackson which were located on the south side of Jackson Yard east of Elm Street.

The other major locomotive and car shop facility on the Michigan Central was at St. Thomas, Ontario.

Photo Info: Top two, photographs of the MC shops. [both, Charlie Whipp collection]. 3rd and 4th, postcard views of these shops. This building still stands and is used as a warehouse. In the bottom photo, note the track inspector who is posing for this picture with his velocipede. [Dale Berry collection]

Notes

The MC Jackson Yard had at least two turntables in its history, at the center of each roundhouse. Jackson's locomotive facility also had a transfer table for locomotives.

Time Line

1872. January. On our return to Jackson by moonlight, here we discovered numerous large brick buildings nearly completed, which we were informed were intended to accommodate the various shops and round house of the MC railroad, which are to be moved there from Marshall. These buildings and the peoople and businesses they will bring will greatly improve the city. [NDEM-1872-0127]

1880. The MC will take their supply of ice this year from Thornapple Lake in Barry County where they have already begun operations. A train loaded with the congealed product passed through the city yesterday and shipments will continue until the ice houses along the line are filled. About 6,000 tons will be stored altogether, 1,500 of which will be left at Jackson. Last year the Central's supply came from Higgins Lake. [DFP-1880-1217]

1891. James Linderman, employed at the Jackson car shops, was caught by a revolving shaft and whirled a few times round, but his clothing gave way and thus saved his life. He was severely bruised. [LCF-1891-1231]

1902. New MC shops erected at Jackson are complete, including a new coaling plant. [MCR-1903]