Rapid Railway Company

Interurban service became the most successful mode of transportation through Roseville in the early 1900s. Starting in 1895, the Rapid Railway Company ran electric interurbans along Gratiot Avenue between Detroit and Mt. Clemens, a relatively speedy and reliable alternative to wagons and carriages along Gratiot's plank road. A car barn and powerhouse was built in Roseville for interurban repairs and to generate power for the interurban system. In 1903 the Rapid Railway line survived a fire that burned much of its car barn and several interurbans, but it could not compete with the popularity of automobiles and ended service in 1930. The Rapid interurban line eventually extended from Detroit through Mt. Clemens and all the way to Port Huron.

Roseville, Michigan · United States