Special Exhibit at MRHC- Railroads of Marquette Co.: Yesterday and Today

C Brigman LS&I Railroad

January 31, 2022 - February 11, 2023      

Railroads were a central part of Marquette since its earliest development. Trains were an everyday sight around the city and downtown, crossing Front Street with ore cars, pulling into the depot to pick up and drop off passengers, or hauling logs from Alger County. Many Marquette families relied on the railroads for their livelihoods. Multiple railroads were headquartered in the City of Marquette. 

As iron mines on the Marquette Range opened in the 1840s, railroads developed to haul the iron ore. As mining expanded, so did the number of tracks and ore docks. Soon passengers, iron ore, timber, and other freight were all shipped to or from Marquette County. The railroads connected Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the rest of the country. 

Learn more about the development and changes in this vast network. Learn where the tracks ran, what they carried, and their destination. We will look at how working the railroad has changed over the decades and how it is part of this region today. This exhibit will feature select hands-on elements as well as maps, artifacts, and photographs. 

Exhibit Opening Reception- Wednesday, February 9th at 5:00 p.m.

Join us before our Yardmaster program on February 9 to enjoy the new special exhibit and meet the curator.