Industrial Cleveland

By the late 1800s, Cleveland had become part of the industrial revolution, with petroleum refining, steel making, chemical processing, and machine-tool production helping make the city a thriving economic center, along with its place in a national railroad network. An efficient and cost-effective transportation system was essential to supply the raw materials needed for industry and to export products made in Cleveland. Some of the founders of the Valley Railway were leading figures in Cleveland's success and recognized the potential of a direct rail route between new sources of coal and the city. These corporate leaders also had the experience to make the railroad a successful venture. Andros B. Stone of the steel-producing Cleveland Rolling Mill, Henry Flagler of Standard Oil, and Stillman Witt, a partner in a railroad construction company, served on the Valley Railway's board of directors and committed to raise $500,000 by selling stock. Their investment paid off when the Valley Railway began operations in January of 1880.

Independence, Ohio · United States