Unassuming Hill in West Michigan Was Once the Most Difficult Travel Spot in the State

Drivers today along the Grand River may into and out of the city of Ionia between Grand Rapids and Lansing without a second through. In the days of locomotive travel, this trip was anything but routine.

A steep hill coming out of the valley of the Grand River was nearly insurmountable by steam engines of the day. Locomotive traffic needed the assistance of a pusher or helper engine to get up the hill.

👇🏼BELOW: Every Amtrak Station in Michigan👇🏼

It was one of just a few areas in Michigan to require a helper and it is an area known then as simply the Big Hill. A railroading history site notes:

Helper engines would push west from the Ionia yards where the grade began. The grade continued north and northwest to just past Haynor Jct. where the line split to either Greenville or Stanton. The line was operated by the Detroit, Lansing & Northern, and then by the Pere Marquette. Time period: Early 1900's

There is little evidence today of the railroading history as the tracks were abandoned and torn up to be replaced by the Grand River Valley Trail.

READ MORE: Witch's Hat Depot is Michigan's Most Treasured Train Station

The big push was no longer needed as engine power improved an, according to a Michigan railroad history Facebook group,

The grade was built up in a long, sweeping curve to get out of the valley created by the Grand River. A locomotive in the yard at Ionia kept steam up to help push trains up the hill. Tracks removed around 1942.

It's interesting to think about railroads needing to keep a steam engine powered up at all times to be ready to deploy to help a train up a big hill.

Get our free mobile app