Stark Electric Railway
At the turn of the 20th century the consolidation of multiple regional railways of a recently industrialized Stark County, OH was taking place. A more efficient way to connect with neighboring Columbiana County was needed, so the Stark Electric Railway was born. The first step came in 1900 when Alliance’s railway system began construction to connect with Canton. On May 1, 1903; service between Alliance and Canton opened with a trip time of 40 mins and fares of 35 cents. The first Alliance-Canton route enabled passengers to transfer lines for connections to Akron and Canton and the people wanted more. Track expansion came eastward from Alliance as the first streetcar came to Beloit on January 11, 1904 from Alliance. That same year, running along what is now US Route 62. The railway connected farther eastward through Damascus, where the largest depot of the line was located. By the end of 1904, the interurban railroad linked Massillon and Canton to stops eastward in Alliance, Sebring, Damascus, Beloit, and Salem. This service would continue until the railway’s assets were sold at auction in June 1939 for $70,100. The Stark Electric Railway made its last run from Canton Salem on July 16, 1939. Transit services have been made by bus ever since; which is now served by SARTA. The Stark Electric Railway was truly a local and communal interurban line. Local and vital to Stark County in the transportation of its people, communications, and commodities. Several interurbans also led to the creation of amusement parks along the line. Absolutely crazy to see an interurban passenger rail line shooting down the median of both US Routes 62 and 30. I’ve attached some photos below...
