Elgin County Railway Museum
225 Wellington Street • St. Thomas, Ontario • N5R 2S6
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🚂 Explore the rich railway heritage of St. Thomas, Ontario
Discover why St. Thomas earned the nickname “Railway City” at the Elgin County Railway Museum, located in the historic 1913 Michigan Central Railroad (MCRR) shops — the oldest continuously operating locomotive repair shops in North America. St. Thomas’ railway story began in 1856 with the London and Port Stanley Railway and grew as more than 26 railways passed through the city, transforming it into a vital transportation hub between Chicago and New York. Its flat Southwestern Ontario terrain made it ideal for railway expansion, earning St. Thomas the title “Railway Capital of Canada.” Since 1988, the museum has been housed in the massive 55,000-square-foot MCRR shops just south of the iconic Canada Southern (CASO) Station. The site remains a working facility for the restoration and repair of locomotives, passenger cars, and railway vehicles, offering visitors a unique window into both the past and present of railway technology. The railway has been an integral part of St. Thomas since the completion of the London and Port Stanley Railway in 1856. Over the years, more than 26 railways have passed through the city, laying the foundation for its growth by providing employment and generating the income needed to sustain the community. At one point, “St. Thomas” became nearly synonymous with “Railway City.”
Strategically located between two major railway hubs—Chicago and New York—St. Thomas offered a convenient shortcut for freight shipments. The flat terrain of Southwestern Ontario made it ideal for railway construction, and the city quickly grew in size and significance. This rapid development earned St. Thomas the title of “Railway Capital of Canada.” A standout piece of this history is the 1913 Michigan Central Railroad (MCRR) shops, the oldest continuously operating locomotive repair shops in North America. Today, the Elgin County Railway Museum is housed in these historic MCRR shops, located just south of the former Canada Southern (CASO) Station. Since 1988, the 55,000-square-foot building has served as the museum’s home. It continues to be an active site for the restoration and repair of locomotives, passenger cars, and railway service vehicles. Guided tours are available year-round. nearby attractions🚆 What to Expect:
bx tower🚦 A rare piece of St. Thomas railway heritage
Built circa 1910, the BX Tower served as a vital interlocking control point between the London & Port Stanley Railway and the Michigan Central Railroad until the mid-1980s. Inside, operators used mechanical levers to safely manage track switches and prevent collisions at this busy junction.
Today, the tower is a Municipally Designated Heritage Building, preserved by the City of St. Thomas and maintained by the Elgin County Railway Museum. It’s a unique glimpse into early 20th-century railway operations. HOURS: Open during special events or by appointment. WATCH: L&PS Route |
SUMMER HOURS
from Victoria Day - Labour Day Friday - Sunday 11am - 4pm *closed in the Fall/Winter GROUP TOURS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT |
