| The railroad through Charlotte was originally built by Grand
River Valley Railroad Company and ran from Jackson to Grand Rapids. In 1870
the GRVR was leased in perpetuality to the Michigan Central Railroad, which
was part of the New York Central "empire". The present depot was built in
1902. Passenger service ended in 1959. Once New York Central and Pennsylvania
railroads merged, there were other ways to get from Jackson to Grand Rapids.
Tracks were removed in stages and almost all gone by the mid 1980's. Tracks
behind the depot remain in place, connecting to the nearby Grand Trunk tracks,
and running a few miles east. This track is used by the
Charlotte Southern
Railroad Dinner Train.
Charlotte is only one of a whole string of fantastic depots along
the abandoned right-of-way. Other remaining stations include Hastings, Nashville,
and Middleville. The building is in great shape and has been used for many
years by different restaurants. A visit there would be worthwile. The interior
is open right up to the roof line, making it seem huge inside. Massive brackets
support the roof. The interior trim, including the ticket window, seems to
be totally intact. |
