Grand Rapids, Newaygo and Lake Shore Railroad

The Grand Rapids, Newaygo and Lake Shore Railroad is a defunct railroad which operated in the state of Michigan between 1872 and 1881. The GRN&LS was chartered on September 11, 1869, under the leadership of David P. Clay.[1] The company operated a 46-mile (74 km) line between Grand Rapids and White Cloud (where it joined the Chicago & Michigan Lake Shore). The initial segment, from Grand Rapids to Sparta, was completed on May 19, 1872. The line reached Newaygo on September 11, 1872; the first passenger train between the two towns ran the same day, to much fanfare from the local populace.[2] On September 24, 1875, the line was extended over the Muskegon River to White Cloud.[3] On September 30, 1881, it consolidated with other companies to form the Chicago & West Michigan. During its twelve years of independent existence the company sustained a net loss of $36,554.28.[4]

Grand Rapids, Newaygo & Lake Shore
Overview
HeadquartersGrand Rapids, Michigan
LocaleWestern Michigan
Dates of operation1869–1881
SuccessorChicago & West Michigan
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Length46 miles (74 km)

Notes

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  1. ^ Goss (1906), 628.
  2. ^ Chapman Brothers (1884), 527-528.
  3. ^ Michigan Railroad Commission (1881), 212.
  4. ^ Ivey (1919), 40–41.

References

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  • Chapman Brothers (1884). Portrait and Biographical Album of Newaygo County, Michigan. Chapman Brothers.
  • Goss, Dwight (1906). History of Grand Rapids and Its Industries. Grand Rapids, MI: C.F. Cooper.
  • Ivey, Paul (1919). The Pere Marquette Railroad Company. Lansing, MI: Michigan Historical Commission. OCLC 66109442.
  • Michigan Railroad Commission (1881). Annual Report.