Connotton Valley

Company History: The Y&CV was established in 1877 following a disagreement between the principles of the Ohio & Toledo Rail Road over whether or not to push the 3’ gauge O&T to Youngstown, Ohio or not. The man behind the “no” faction lost and control of the O&T was awarded to Cleveland Iron Company (the O&T’s largest creditor) and they then sold the O&T to the Y&CV. Ironically, the man behind the “yes” faction changed his mind about going to Youngstown and instead resumed construction of the 3’ gauge line between the coal fields of the Connotton Valley and a port on Lake Erie. The Connotton Valley Railroad name (later changed to Railway) was adopted in 1879. The line reached Cleveland in 1882. The CVRwy built and acquired southward to Canton and Coshocton. By narrow gauge standards, the right of way was well built allowing CVRR passenger trains to run at reasonably high speeds. During this period, the CVRwy fleet included 26 locomotives, 962 freight cars, 29 coaches and parlor cars, and 7 head end cars. They even ran commuter trains out of Cleveland. They had hoped to extend the line south to Zanesville but in 1884, they found themselves unable to borrow more money and unable to cover their interest payments. Receivership followed. The share holders split into two groups. One planned to push the line to Zanesville and the other did not. Both agreed that standard gauging the line would be a priority. In 1885 the pro-Zanesville faction won, the CVRwy was sold at a foreclosure sale and reorganized as the Cleveland & Canton Railroad. This route later became Wheeling & Lake Erie’s line to Cleveland.

Successor/Parent History: In 1885, the Youngstown & Connotton Valley Railroad was reorganized as the Cleveland & Canton Railroad

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