Profile of Grades Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw Railway Ohio Division

The highs and lows of building a railroad between Ohio and Michigan.

The Cincinnati, Jackson & Mackinaw Railway was first incorporated in late 1886 as a consolidation of the Cincinnati, Van Wert & Michigan and the Michigan and Ohio Railroads. While the name of the line indicated grander ambitions of northern expansion, it did eventually connect the outskirts of Cincinnati through eastern Ohio to the town of Jackson, in southern Michigan. The company struggled financially and was acquired by the Cincinnati Northern Railroad in 1894.

That transaction may have been the impetus behind this gigantic manuscript track profile that shows the line’s grade between Franklin, Ohio, and Addison, MI. A second sheet, separate from the first, continues the image to the final destination at Jackson. Elevation and mileage data are provided for the entire length of the route. County borders and towns are labeled, while insets immediately above the profile offer an outline of the respective rail facilities (sidings, depots, etc.).

Sources: Cincinnati Northern Model Railroad Club; Library of Congress;