Concept and history

What began as a general interest in Ohio rail transportation history eventually evolved and narrowed to focus on specific entities, mainly the Norfolk and Western Railway and the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the industries they served. As well as the state's once extensive interurban network that served both freight and passenger needs. Soon I began to explore ways to integrate these varied interests into a single unique freelance entity of my own creation. After visits to various locations between Portsmouth and Gallipolis I soon imagineered a railroad to be built along the Ohio River, linking river towns, ports and natural resources to manufacturing centers located to the east. I would later learn of several attempts to actually build such a route and indeed several segments were built, with the Pennsylvania Railroad actually coming the closest with its acquisition of the Pittsburgh, Ohio Valley and Cincinnati Railroad, built along the Ohio River from Bellaire to Powhatan, Ohio in the late 1800s. Of special interest, the original western terminus of the POV&C was to be Ironton, Ohio.

Precedent: former Pennsylvania (POV&C) RR along the Ohio River from Bellaire to Powhatan, Ohio

Company Milestones-

• 1849: The Ironton Railway is formed and land acquisition begins.
• 1850: Construction commences.
• 1852: Service between Ironton and Oak Hill is established to serve mining and timber interests.
  
• 1887: River Line interurban service between Ironton and Pomeroy is established.
• 1888: AJZ Holdings is formed.
• 1888: Corporate name change to Ironton, Gallipolis and Eastern Electric Railway.
• 1890: Controlling interest in the Euclid Heights & South Shore Rwy obtained.
• 1891: River Line extended to Bellaire.
  
• 1892: Pennsylvania Company becomes majority shareholder.
• 1933: Current era. 

West Jersey and Seashore Railroad (WJ&S) a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad - late 20s