Our Mission
The Southern Michigan Railroad Society, Inc. is dedicated to building an operating museum railroad using the first branch rail line into Michigan — the Palmyra and Jacksonburgh — and preserving its historical railroad era (1838-1982). The Organization aims to promote the awareness of railroading though educational and social activities involving its members and communities of Tecumseh and Clinton, Michigan. Our educational purpose is “to collect historical artifacts, preserve them for future generations, and to educate the public about railway history.”
Our Story
The Southern Michigan Railroad Society preserves what remains of the ‘Clinton Branch’. This branch line, which originally stretched from Lenawee Junction to Jackson, was previously owned by Conrail, the final freight operator. When business on the branch began to dry up, Conrail elected to abandon the line, discontinuing all train service in 1982. A group of high school students from Tecumseh did not want to see the track go to waste, so they banded together to form the Southern Michigan Railroad Society and purchased the 13 mile Clinton Branch.
In 1985, the first public excursions were offered aboard motor cars, or “speeders”. These maintenance of way vehicles were operated in trains that took passengers across various segments of the 11 miles of track between Clinton and Raisin Center.
The Society acquired the former Clinton Engines building to create the headquarters for operations and restorations. The upper level of the building was turned into a combination gift shop and museum with the downstairs serving as the restoration shop, storage, offices, and board room. Excursions operated out of this location for 35 years.
As passenger service continued to grow and the Society gained support and momentum, the group acquired it’s first full size locomotive, Plymouth #1. A pair of cabooses were acquired to form the first full size passenger trains to traverse the line, kicking off a vibrant history of excursions and demonstrations for the public.
Over the years, the equipment collection grew through purchases and donations to build the museum on the rails today. The 11 miles of track that is used for public excursions remains disconnected from the national rail network, so every piece of equipment in the collection was delivered to the Society over the road.
In 2020, the Society moved the primary headquarters to the former Pallox, Inc. property at the south end of Clinton. The acquisition of this property afforded a much more sustainable location for public events along with more space to store and maintain equipment.
The Society continues to operate staple trains such as Fall Color Tours and the Santa Express, in addition to many other events and excursions throughout the year. We look forward to a bright future of railroad preservation ahead and we hope to see you on the rails soon!