New Book Shares the Unique History of Streetcars in Copper Country

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - July 17, 2013 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s Images of Rail series is Copper Country Streetcars by William J. Sproule. The book boasts more than 200 vintage and modern images chronicling the use of streetcars in Michigan area.

During the early 1900s, copper mining was at its peak in the “Copper Country” of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Numerous communities sprang up throughout the region, but travel between towns was difficult as the roads were not paved and became impassable during the winter months when over 200 inches of snow would inundate the area.

The poor travel conditions and boom period in the Copper Country were instrumental factors that resulted in the construction of a streetcar line to serve the area. Service began in 1900 and the network was extended several times over the next few years. Ridership peaked in 1910, when over six million passengers rode the system; however, it declined in the 1920s as automobiles became more popular, roads were improved and the copper boom subsided. Service finally ended in 1932. It is a fascinating history that surprises many of today’s residents that streetcars operated in the area.

Highlights of Copper Country Streetcars include:
•   The book introduces the role of streetcars throughout the United States in the early 1900s before automobiles.
•   Showcases the routes, equipment, operations and the development of Electric Park in order to attract riders in the evenings and on weekends.
•   Shows images illustrating winter travel and the many challenges of winter travel.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.  

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com/.