The Essex Terminal Railway (ETR) was incorporated in 1902 and began its existence as a connection between the Grand Trunk (now CN Rail) and the Canadian Bridge Plant on the near-east side of Windsor.
Thereafter the ETR was extended in sections during a sixteen year period when, in 1918, the Railway was extended to a station known as Quarries in what is today the Town of Amherstburg, Ontario.
The ETR played a prominent role in the industrialization of the Windsor Area, providing rail service to many industries that created the jobs that nourished and developed the region.
When Windsor's auto plants were converted to the production of military equipment during the Second World War, the ETR was prominent in the movement of the equipment from the plants and into the war effort.
The Railway has been owned by several business interests including the Canadian Bridge Company, United States Steel Corporation, Morton Industries of Canada (now Canadian Salt Company) and the ETR is presently owned by Essex Morterm Holdings Ltd., a largely local group of business people.
The ETR continues to play an important part in the Windsor-LaSalle-Amherstburg area, helping to attract development that requires rail service.
The Essex Terminal Railway celebrated its 100th Anniversary in September 2002. ETR's employees, retirees, our customers and business associates enjoyed a historic ride on the ETR No. 9 engine. Southwestern Ontario Locomotive Restoration Society brought the former ETR No. 9 engine, a 1923 steam locomotive, and five coaches to Windsor, and over the course of a week provided a memorable day to over 4,100 guests.
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