Station: Vicksburg, MI

Vicksburg was settled in southern Kalamazoo County in 1831 when a dam was built on Portage Creek to power a log grist mill. The town became a village in 1871. It was originally called Brady but changed one day later.

Notes

This crossing of the GR&I and Grand Trunk was originally controlled by a crossing gate and smash-board. The interlocker (see model board below) was installed in 1929. It was controlled from the operator's bay in the station.

Photo Info: Top, the union depot at Vicksburg around the turn of the century. Note the smash-board gate which protects the crossing of the railroads. [Mark Worrall collection]. 2nd, another photo of the depot. [Alan Loftis collection]. 3rd, a 1913 photograph of the depot and crossing. 4th, a 2003 photo of the union depot. [Alan Loftis]

5th-6th photos, the inside of the Vicksburg depot in 2004. [Alan Loftis photos]. 8th photo, the model board for the crossing of the PRR and GTW lines. 2002. [Dale Berry]. 6th photo, a Conrail freight passes the depot and crossing in 1978. [Charles Geletzke Jr.]

Time Line

1892, The GTW builds a 12'x44' 18' high frame ice plant at Vicksburg. [GTBB]

1908. A new brick Union Station was built by the GR&I with a 50/50 expense ratio. The crossing had "smash" board at the crossing. [CQII]

1915. The GTW had a 110 car passing track here. [GTOS-1915-1102]

1917. The Grand Trunk had a day agent, as well as an operator around the clock. GT telegraph call was "BU". All positions were shared jointly with the GR&I.[TRT]

1929: The GTW installs a US&S interlocker at their crossing at Vicksburg. It includes four signals. [RSC-1930]