HISTORIC	ON the TRAIL	LOCATION
Chicago & West Michigan Railway
Exact Location: Newaygo County- southwest of White Cloud.
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Logo of the Chicago & West Michigan Railway The Chicago & West Michigan Railway consisted of several lines. The branch which the NCT crosses began as the Muskegon and Big Rapids Railroad in 1873. Like many early railroads, it quickly went bankrupt, and in 1876 became part of the Chicago & West Michigan Railway. This line operated until 1899, when it was purchased by the Pere Marquette Railway. This line was abandoned, possibly around 1926. the view northeast on the former Chicago & West Michigan RR from the NCT (photo by jhy)  The fact that this rail bed has remained quite clear of trees indicates that the berm was well-built. Note that the road's nickname was the Fruit Belt Line. Surprisingly, southern Michigan was noted for growing fruit before the logging era. This line carried peaches and apples to Chicago. Chicago & West Michigan inspection car (photo Stoner collection, UMB) This inspection car looks particularly "steampunk." Picture it rolling along this berm on its way to White Cloud. The Muskegon to Big Rapids route was a nearly straight line from southwest to northeast. At White Cloud (currently a Trail Town), there was a junction with the White River RR, which ran north to Bitely. Also see: Pere Marquette Railway
Sources: Michigan Railroads Wikipedia
Every effort is made to provide up-to-date accurate information, but errors are bound to occur. Please contact explorer@exploreNCT.info about errors, corrections or additions.

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4/16/21
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