Sylvania's Ties to the Railroad

	Almost since its inception, Sylvania has had a close association with the railroad.  In 1835, the Erie & Kalamazoo Railroad company won the right to construct a rail line between Toledo, OH and Adrian, MI.  A Toledo Blade advertisement from 1837 proclaimed that "emigrants and others destined for Indiana, Illinois and western Michigan WILL SAVE TWO DAYS and the corresponding expense by taking this route in preference to the more lengthened, tedious and expensive route heretofore traveled."
It was this same year that the first locomotive was put into service. The cost for the Toledo to Sylvania leg of the journey was $.50; from Sylvania to Adrian, $1.50.  In Adrian, the train connected with the Michigan Southern Railway.    Sylvania was chosen for a stop because of its abundant water supply.	The first railroad cars were pulled by horses!  The first locomotive traveled through Sylvania in 1837.  The rail line was the first line west of the Allegheny mountains!
"Warning, there are wicked men and women in railway stations and other public places who seek to lead girls astray. Young women coming from the country and small towns should be very careful who's advice they follow." This sign is typical of the signage that might have hung in Sylvania's railroad depot.  This station was probably constructed in the 1830's and photographs show it in use as late as 1948.  The station was recently moved from its original location to the Historical Village. For more information about Sylvania's railroad past, see the book "Next Stop" by Gaye Gindy.