MAY 13, 1829
The Stourebridge Lion arrived in New York from England for service on the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company.
MAY 13, 1933
The Oregon Electric Railway's passenger service is discontinued.
MAY 13, 1968
The Santa Fe Chief makes it's final run.
CANADIANPACIFIC2816
MAY 14, 1851
President Millard Fillmore is present for the opening of the first direct rail route from the Hudson River to Lake Erie on the New York & Erie RR connecting Piermont, New York with Dunkirk, New York (on Lake Erie). It was built at 6-foot gauge, making it both the broadest gauge in the US, and the longest mainline in the world at that time.
MAY 14, 1906
Oregon Electric Railway (OE) is incorporated.
MAY 14, 1909
The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad completes it's line to Seattle.
MAY 14, 1945
The first Alco road switcher, an RS-1 #52 is received by the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway.
MAY 15, 1907
Service over the entire length of the Yosemite Valley Railroad begins, from Merced to El Portal.
MAY 15, 1952
The Scribner Turn is initiated, ending 10-year alternating switching between Hillyard and Yardley on the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway.
MAY 15, 1974
Amtrak's Texas Chief is renamed to the Lone Star.
MAY 16, 1853
The Toronto, the first steam locomotive manufactured in Canada, makes it's first run on the Ontario, Simcoe & Huron Union Railway. This railroad would eventually be absorbed into the Canadian National system.
The first section of the Illinois Central Railroad is completed from LaSalle to Bloomington, Illinois.
MAY 16, 1883
The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railway reaches Ogden, Utah.
MAY 16, 1956
New York Central unveils it's new lightwheight Xplorer streamliner.
MAY 16, 1988
The Interstate Commerce Commision approves the purchase of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (Katy) by Union Pacific subsidiary, Missouri Pacific.
MAY 17, 1853
Ten railroad companies agree to form the nation's first important railroad merger, the New York Central Railroad System.
MAY 17, 1895
The Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railway, the first electric elevated railroad, opens in Chicago.
MAY 17, 1908
In Canada, electric operation begins through the St. Clair Tunnel between Sarnia and Port Huron. This ended the operation of steam power which had asphyxiated several crew members. A formal inspection and opening ceremony took place on November 12.
MAY 17, 1914
Canadian Northern Ontario Railway becomes part of the Canadian Northern Railway.
MAY 17, 1939
The Royal Tour of Canada commences with with the arrival of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Wolfe's Cove, Quebec on the Empress of Canada. The 12 car train, (five from Canadian Pacific, five from Canadian National and the two vice regal cars), in royal blue and aluminum, left Quebec City on May 18. A pilot train, carrying officials and the press, preceded the royal train by one hour and no other trains were permitted to travel within this period. The travel arrangements were shared by the two railways with CP being responsible for the westward journey to Victoria. CP used 4-6-4 locomotives 2850 and 2851 for the royal and pilot trains respectively, except for the Ottawa to Brighton, Ontario section, which was over CN track. 2850 hauled the royal train without change right through to Vancouver, a total distance of 3224 miles. Royal crowns were affixed to the running boards of both locomotives and these were eventually fitted to the entire class (2820-2864) which, following approval from their majesties, became known as Royal Hudsons.
MAY 17, 1945
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allocates radio frequencies for use by railroads.
MAY 17, 1946
The U.S. Government seizes railroads to avert a strike.
MAY 17, 1957
Canadian National opens a 40 mile diversion of it's Montreal to Toronto mainline required in the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
MAY 17, 1961
The last steam engine used in passenger terminal switching service, Dallas Union Terminal 0-6-0 #7 is replaced by a diesel.
MAY 18, 1896
In Plessy v. Ferguson, the U.S. Supreme Court upholds Louisiana's Jim Crow Law which required railroads to provide equal but separate accomodations for the white and colored races. This separate, but equal doctrine remained in place for 58 years until reversed by the Court in Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka.
MAY 18, 1901
Striking railroad workers in Albany, New York are forced back on the job by state militia.
MAY 19, 1851
The Erie Railroad runs it's first train to reach it's terminus at Dunkirk, New York on Lake Erie.
MAY 19, 1909
The Puget Sound extension of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific was completed.
MAY 19, 1918
The U.S. Federal Government provides $1 billion to U.S. railroads for upkeep.
MAY 19, 1955
Noting that there were still 6500 coal burning steam locomotives still in service, the National Coal Association protests that a planned ceremony by the Interstate Commerce Commission to commemorate the passing of steam locomotives from America's transportation scene is premature.
MAY 19, 1974
Amtrak's Super Chief is renamed to the Southwest Limited.
MAY 19, 1990
The Alaska Railroad begins using new passenger equipment for daily express service between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
MAY 20, 1830
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad publishes the first railroad timetable.
MAY 20, 1879
In Canada, the Department of Railways and Canals comes into effect with a Minister having jurisdiction over all railways pertaining to the Dominion Government. Previously this function had been covered by the Department of Public Works.
MAY 20, 1880
The Southern Pacific reaches Tuscon, Arizona.
MAY 20, 1926
The Railway Labor Act becomes law.
MAY 20, 1956
An E-1 class 4-8-4 of the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway, #700, makes it's last run. During the 1980's (or was it earlier than that?) she was restored to active service for special excursions and currently shares roundhouse space in Portland Oregon with the SP GS-4 #4449 .
MAY 21, 1852
The first train to enter Chicago from the east was run by the Northern Indiana Railroad.
MAY 21, 1877
At Altoona, Pennsylvania, Alexander Graham Bell's assistants begin tests which result in the permanent installation of telephones in the Pennsylvania Railroad shops.
MAY 21, 1927
The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific's Pioneer Limited becomes the first Pullman train to be completely equipped with roller bearings.
MAY 21, 1932
To promote ticket sales, the Missouri Pacific Railroad runs the first Mystery Excursion from St. Louis. Passengers purchased tickets without knowing their destination until they arrived, which turned out to be Arcadia, Missouri.
FROM ARCAMAX HISTORY & QUOTES:
May 22, 1868:
Seven members of the Reno gang stole $98,000 from a railway car at Marshfield, Ind. It was the original "Great Train Robbery".
MAY 22, 1868
The Great Train Robbery. Seven members of the Reno gang hold up an Indianapolis bound Jefferson, Madison & Indianapolis train at Marshfield, Indiana. The gang made off with $98,000 from a safe in the express car.
MAY 22, 1909
Georgia railroad workers strike against the employment of Negroes.
MAY 22, 1941
As part of the war effort, the first tank, the Mark III, is produced in Canadian Pacific's Angus Shops in Montreal. On June 30th, the Montreal Locomotive Works produced the first M-3 (Modified) Cruiser tank.
MAY 23, 1870
The first train to go coast to coast, the Pullman Hotel Express departs Boston.
MAY 23, 1887
Canada's first transcontinental train arrives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
MAY 23, 1891
The first chapel car, the Evangel is dedicated in Cincinnati, Ohio. The car was fitted for religious services and used on the Northern Pacific Railway.
MAY 23, 1946
Rail unions in the United States go on strike despite government seizure of the Railroads.
MAY 23, 1952
President Truman orders railroads returned to their owners after 21 months of control by the U.S. Army.
MAY 23, 1989
Amtrak begins service to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
MAY 24, 1830
Passenger and freight service opens on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad between Baltimore and Endicott's Mills, Maryland (13 miles).
MAY 24, 1844
Telegraphy was introduced on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
MAY 24, 1915
In the Canadian province of Ontario, the Glengarry and Stormont Railway opens between St. Polycarpe Junction (Soulanges) and Cornwall. Tracklaying was completed on the 30th of November 1914 and the event was celebrated with a dinner in Williamstown on December 2nd. This left ballast work and stations, etc., to be completed. A Canadian Pacific inspection train was run over the unfinished line on March 20th and the company was leased to the CPR on the 1st of June, 1915.
MAY 24, 1931
The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad introduces the first all air-conditioned passenger train, the Columbian, between New York and Washington, D.C.
MAY 24, 1961
The Milwaukee Road's Olympian Hiawatha makes it's final run.
MAY 24, 1964
Canadian National commences the operation of a new transcontinental passenger train, the Panorama.
CANADIANPACIFIC2816MAY 24, 1830Passenger and freight service opens on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad between Baltimore and Endicott's Mills, Maryland (13 miles).
CANADIANPACIFIC2816MAY 24, 1961The Milwaukee Road's Olympian Hiawatha makes it's final run.MAY 24, 1964Canadian National commences the operation of a new transcontinental passenger train, the Panorama.
Carl
Railroader Emeritus (practiced railroading for 46 years--and in 2010 I finally got it right!)
CAACSCOCOM--I don't want to behave improperly, so I just won't behave at all. (SM)
MAY 25, 1865
The first Bessemer steel rails were manufactured in the United States at Chicago Rolling Mills. By the end of the century, steel rails had almost completely replaced iron.
MAY 25, 1903
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad becomes the first railroad to be powered by an electrified third-rail system.
MAY 25, 1945
The New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad becomes the first U.S. railroad to be completely equipped with diesel-electric locomotives.
MAY 25, 1970
In Canada, regular Turbo train operation is resumed between Montreal and Toronto. It was withdrawn from service on February 1st, 1971.
MAY 25, 2006
In Canada, Keewatin Railway commences operation over the line from Sherritt Junction to Lynn Lake, Manitoba.
MAY 26, 1934
Burlington's Pioneer Zephyr, the first streamlined diesel-electric train, makes a non-stop run from Denver to Chicago in 13 hours, 5 minutes. It is the first train to run over a thousand miles nonstop.
MAY 26, 1946
Southern Railway accepts delivery of the 6100 road freight diesel electric locomotive, Southern's first F-type freight diesel.
The U.S. government lifts control of the railroads after an accord ends a strike.
MAY 28, 1869
Cheyenne Indians destroy a section of the Union Pacific Railroad near Fossil Creek, Kansas.
CPR2816
MAY 29, 1935
The Milwaukee Road begins Hiawatha service between Chicago and St. Paul. On the Chicago to Milwaukee section these trains averaged 100 MPH.
MAY 29, 1976
The Santa Fe discontinues Super C service.
MAY 29, 1984
In the Canadian province of Ontario, the last run over Canadian Pacific's Waltham subdivision between Wyman and Waltham is handled by #6538, the last CPR locomotive to wear the traditional maroon and grey pain scheme.
MAY 30, 1881
Kansas City, St. Joseph & Burlington Railway was chartered. In 1901 it became part of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy.
MAY 30, 1893
The Walter Mains Circus train derails at Little Horseshoe Curve, near Tyrone, Pennsylvania. Six people and 100 animals were killed in this derailment.
MAY 30, 1911
The first Milwaukee Road Olympian arrives at Deer Lodge, Montana.
MAY 30, 1953
Cedar Rapids & Iowa City Railway discontinues passenger service and converts from electric to diesel power.
MAY 30, 1957
In the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, the last train powered by a steam locomotive from Sydney to Halifax was train #8, which arrived in Halifax at 7:35 am this day, locomotive 6007 Sydney to Truro and 6177 Truro to Halifax. The last steam powered train between Halifax and Sydney was #7, which arrived in Sydney at 7:45 am this day.
MAY 31, 1947
The Gulf, Mobile & Ohio stretches from the Gulf of Mexico to Chicago after it merges with the Alton lines.
MAY 31, 1950
Service ends on the Virginia & Trukee Railway.
MAY 31, 1969
Dallas, Texas becomes the largest U.S. city without passenger service with the last run of the Texas & Pacific's Texas Eagle.
JUNE 01, 1875
A ceremony of the turning of the first sod on the Canadian Pacific Railway took place on the left bank of the Kamistiquia River in the townsite of Fort William about four miles from the river's mouth.
JUNE 01, 1891
North America's highest railroad (14,109 ft) the Manitou & Pike's Peak Railway in Colorado, opens.
JUNE 01, 1898
The Erdman Act, which provides for mediation of railroad disputes, is adopted.
The first interurban streetcar line, the Union Traction Company, begins operation between Anderson and Alexandria, Indiana.
JUNE 01, 1908
Dalles, Portland & Astoria Navigation Company is transferred to the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway.
JUNE 01, 1915
In Canada, the National Transcontinental Railway is completed between Moncton and Winnipeg via Edmundston, Quebec and Senneterre. Because of the high cost, the Grand Trunk refused to lease the line which was operated from May 1, 1915 as a component of the Canadian Government Railways until the formation of the Canadian National System.
JUNE 01, 1931
Canadian Pacific opens a line through a tunnel under the Plains of Abraham to the Wolfe's Cove Harbour Terminal in Quebec City. The first shot was fired on April 5, 1930, the breakthrough was made on February 16, 1931, and the first train, locomotive and 13 cars carrying railway officials, ran through the tunnel on May 26, 1931.
JUNE 01, 1947
The Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad acquires the Alton Railroad.
JUNE 01, 1951
Canadian Pacific discontines rail service to Place Viger station, Montreal.
JUNE 01, 1982
The Norfolk & Western Railroad merges with the Southern Railway to form the Norfolk Southern Corporation.
JUNE 01, 1985
Transcontinental passenger service through Ottawa, Canada is restored (first westbound with VIA 6769-6626, first eastbound with VIA 6784). This replaced the local service between Ottawa and Sudbury which commenced in November 1981.
JUNE 02, 1873
Construction begins on San Francisco's Clay Street for the world's first cable railroad.
JUNE 02, 1913
The first train runs across the Canadian Pacific's high level bridge between Edmonton and South Edmonton, Alberta.
JUNE 02, 1982
The Soo Line takes control of the Minneapolis, Northfield & Southern.
JUNE 03, 1856
The Windsor Branch Railway was opened from Windsor to Windsor Junction, Nova Scotia by the Nova Scotia government. This was the oldest constituant of the Dominion Atlantic Railway.
JUNE 03, 1889
The first Canadian Pacific train arrives in Saint John, New Brunswick from Montreal marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway as a coast to coast railway.
JUNE 03, 1891
The Duluth, Missabe & Northern Railroad is incorporated.
JUNE 03, 1947
General Motor's Train of Tomorrow begins it's nationwide tour from Chicago.
JUNE 04, 1857
The first middle route to the Mississippi River was completed, when the Ohio & Mississippi RR's tracks connected East St. Louis with Cincinnati and Baltimore.
JUNE 04, 1889
Canadian Pacific commences the operation of a through train from Montreal to Minneapolis and St. Paul. The first train originated at Sault Ste. Marie but the second and subsequent trains ran right through. These were known as the "Soo Express".
JUNE 04, 1911
The Chicago & Northwestern opened it's Madison Street station in downtown Chicago. (Thank you, Carl!)
JUNE 05, 1947
The Chesapeake & Ohio acquires the Pere Marquette.
JUNE 05, 1950
The U.S. Supreme Court rules that segregation policies in Southern railroad dining cars are invalid.
JUNE 05, 1979
A Long Island Railroad train becomes the first to be operated exclusively by women.
JUNE 05, 1982
Seattle's Waterfront streetcar begins operation.
JUNE 06, 1833
Andrew Jackson becomes the first U.S. President to travel by rail, on the Baltimore & Ohio's line between Endicott's Mills and Baltimore, Maryland.
JUNE 06, 1899
In the Canadian province of Ontario, the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway becomes a part of the Canada Atlantic Railway.
JUNE 06, 1915
In the Canadian province of Ontario, the Ottawa and New York Railway makes a record run between Ottawa and Russell bringing Ottawa firefighters and equipment to Russell to fight a major fire which had broken out there. The trip for the 22 miles was made in 22 minutes. Engineer Alex Jamieson and Conductor George Broker were in charge.
JUNE 06, 1919
Canadian National Railway Company was incorporated on this date.
June 22, 1881:
President James A. Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Washinton railroad station. Garfield died the following september. (Guiteau was hanged in June 1882.)
Does anyone else have anything else to add for this date in railroad history? If so, please enlighten us.
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