NEIGHBOURHOODS:
RAILWAY CITY CENTRAL
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Railway City Central
Just the facts
Main strip: Palmer Memorial Walkway on the Whistlestop Trail
Founded: 1860s-70s
Neighbourhood Giants: CASO Station & Elgin County Railway Museum
Best photo spot: CASO Station
Little Free Library: Jonas Park
Architecture: Italianate CASO Station, industrial Elgin County Railway Museum, and residences built to serve as homes for employees of railway companies.
Where to mingle with locals: Joe Thornton Community Centre
The vibe
This is where St. Thomas earned its iconic title as "The Railway City". Built between 1871 and 1873, the majestic Canada Southern (CASO) Station stands as one of the country's most impressive historic railway buildings—shaping local identity long before St. Thomas was incorporated in 1881. Defined by grand station architecture, historic rail yards of the 1913 Michigan Central Railroad shops, and the character-filled residential streets built for railway crews, Railway City Central remains the historic pulse of our community.
Today, the area is evolving with vibrant murals by artists like Mediah and Laura Woermke, blending history with modern creativity. Recreation hubs include the Joe Thornton Community Centre—named for the local NHL legend—the New York Central Ball Park for baseball, and the popular Railway City Skatepark.
The History
Known historically as Millersburg, this area was incorporated into St. Thomas in 1871, divided into St. David’s North and South wards. Michigan Central Park (later New York Central Park) was developed after WWI by local horticulturists.
Notable landmarks included the YWCA (once a railway workers’ shelter) and the Grandstand at New York Central Ball Park’s Barnes Street entrance—both now gone but part of the neighbourhood’s rich past.
Main strip: Palmer Memorial Walkway on the Whistlestop Trail
Founded: 1860s-70s
Neighbourhood Giants: CASO Station & Elgin County Railway Museum
Best photo spot: CASO Station
Little Free Library: Jonas Park
Architecture: Italianate CASO Station, industrial Elgin County Railway Museum, and residences built to serve as homes for employees of railway companies.
Where to mingle with locals: Joe Thornton Community Centre
The vibe
This is where St. Thomas earned its iconic title as "The Railway City". Built between 1871 and 1873, the majestic Canada Southern (CASO) Station stands as one of the country's most impressive historic railway buildings—shaping local identity long before St. Thomas was incorporated in 1881. Defined by grand station architecture, historic rail yards of the 1913 Michigan Central Railroad shops, and the character-filled residential streets built for railway crews, Railway City Central remains the historic pulse of our community.
Today, the area is evolving with vibrant murals by artists like Mediah and Laura Woermke, blending history with modern creativity. Recreation hubs include the Joe Thornton Community Centre—named for the local NHL legend—the New York Central Ball Park for baseball, and the popular Railway City Skatepark.
The History
Known historically as Millersburg, this area was incorporated into St. Thomas in 1871, divided into St. David’s North and South wards. Michigan Central Park (later New York Central Park) was developed after WWI by local horticulturists.
Notable landmarks included the YWCA (once a railway workers’ shelter) and the Grandstand at New York Central Ball Park’s Barnes Street entrance—both now gone but part of the neighbourhood’s rich past.
