Interlocking: Oxford, MI - XN Tower

Oxford, MI XN Tower Oxford, MI XN Tower Oxford MI XN Tower Oxford MI junction map XN interlocking tower was located in Oxford, Michigan and was the crossing of the Michigan Central Bay City branch (Detroit to Bay City) and the Grand Trunk Western PO&N Branch (Pontiac to Caseville).

Photo Info: Top and 2nd photos, the XN Interlocking Tower at Oxford. [Ernie Novack photo, Robert Michalka collection]. 3rd photo, Oxford depot and tower in 1956 with a passing GTW locomotive. [Ed Nowak photo, Charles Geletzke Jr. Collection]. 4th photo, a Sanborn insurance map of the crossing from 1937. In addition to the depot and tower, note the "Union Hotel" on the northeast corner of the crossing. [SBM]


Notes

Location: 42o49.684'N / 83o15.816'W.


Time Line 

1883. The crossing was originally protected by a gate and target signal until 1893.

1893. An interlocking tower and plant was built, consisting of 12 working levers on a 20 lever Saxby & Farmer style machine. The tower was staffed by the MC. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]

1928. Semaphores on the crossing are replaced by target signals. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]

1939. Derails protecting the crossing are removed. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]

1961. The Oxford interlocked crossing of the NYC Bay City Branch and the GTW's PO&N Branch is automated and the tower is closed.  [CW]

1976. Conrail ceases operation on this portion of the Bay City branch.

1986. The GTW removes its track. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]

Bibliography

The following sources are utilized in this website. [SOURCE-YEAR-MMDD-PG]:

  • [AAB| = All Aboard!, by Willis Dunbar, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids ©1969.
  • [AAN] = Alpena Argus newspaper.
  • [AARQJ] = American Association of Railroads Quiz Jr. pamphlet. © 1956
  • [AATHA] = Ann Arbor Railroad Technical and Historical Association newsletter "The Double A"
  • [AB] = Information provided at Michigan History Conference from Andrew Bailey, Port Huron, MI

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