Galion, OH: Burt Tower: Big Four vs. Erie

(Satellite)

Burt Tower was at the junction of the Erie and the south fork of of the Big Four. Originally, it was in the southwest quadrant as shown in this 1891 map. By the time of a 1959 aerial photo, it was in the southeast quadrant. Since the Erie track has been torn up, the junction no longer exists.

Ron Amore posted
1891 Map of Galion, Ohio.Big 4 Roundhouse in the middle, Erie RH to the right.

Ron Amore posted
This is a photo of the Galion Iron Works looking west towards Burt Tower. It appears that this photo was taken before the days of road graders and the gas engine. Burt Tower was responsible for switching the tracks so the trains could either go south to Columbus, Cincinnati or west to Marion, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Burt Tower was between South St/S. Washington St and S.Market St. across the tracks from the North Electric plant
Bill Edrington In this picture, Burt Tower appears to be standing in the southwest quadrant of the crossing of the Big Four's line to Columbus and Cincinnati and the Erie main line. The old Big Four roundhouse is in the background on the north side of the Erie. That also corresponds to the way the tower is shown on the aerial street map which shows both the old Big Four roundhouse and the Erie roundhouse. Does anybody know if the existing tower was moved to the southeast quadrant of the crossing later on, or was a completely new tower built there?Ron Amore Bill I had heard from someone in Galion, that the first tower had burnt down.

Judging from the stair location and the spacing of the windows, this would have been the second, southeast quadrant, tower. The double barb-wire on top of the fence also implies a more modern era. Although there are still signalling pipelines going along the far track.

Ron Amore posted
Burt Tower at the Burt Line and Big 4 diamond in Galion, OH

Update:

Ron Amore posted
Southbound Erie going past the Burt Tower in Galion, OH
Ron Buser Would that be a westbound?
Ron Amore I would say southwest as it went to Marion, OH
Ron Buser Erie timetable directions show as either East or West. Same applies to the Big 4.

Ron Amore posted
Burt Tower in Galion, Ohio
Ron Buser Erie eastbound?   Ron Amore Yes Sir

Ron Amore posted
Looking east from S. Market St. in Galion, OH. The Burt Tower and the Galion Iron Works Plant.

Ron Amore posted
Galion, OH Burt Tower with the Galion Iron Works plant in the background.
[This is similar to the first tower photo, but it does have a better image of the iron works.]