February 10: The Lake Superior iron region produces its first iron. They did not ship iron "ore" until later. [MSL]
May 30: New Michigan Central depot west of Third Street near the river, opens in Detroit. [DWS/AAD]
December 1: Michigan Central Railroad reaches Niles. [MCR-75/ IT-12/79/AAD] Also noted as being October 1, 1848 by [MT] [MCR-75] dates this as "Autumn, 1848".
The Erie and Kalamazoo is purchased by out-of-state interests and changed to standard gauge. It had been 4' 10" gauge. [AAD]
The Illinois and Michigan Canal opens from Chicago to the Mississippi River. The opening creates a large demand for pine lumber from Michigan. [MH-11/1993]
The Michigan Central Railroad removed its line in Detroit along Michigan Avenue to Woodward, after the passenger depot was changed to the foot of Third Street. [HWC]
Schenectady Locomotive Works is founded. They create their first engine, "Lightening". [SAM]
Time line Key:
The following sources are utilized in this website. [SOURCE-YEAR-MMDD-PG]:
