Ashtabula, Ohio: Ashtabula Horror - Train Wreck Disaster

A town remembers its awful 1876 bridge collapse and train disaster.

On the anniversary of the train wreck we visited several locations associated with this disaster. The historical marker is still there and can be easily found. Due to major construction at the medical center we were unable to locate the audio memorial.

There's parking right in front of the historical marker. Look for a tree at the medical center's emergency entrance; there is also a helipad next to it. Address is 2709 Lake Ave.

We tried to see where the train actually crossed the river, but it looked like it could only be seen by going through Cederquist Park. The road was closed and we would have had to hoof it with kids. A man parked in a truck near the road kind of put me off so we decided not to pursue it further. We did go to the cemetery.

If anyone desires to learn more about the Bridge Collapse-Trainwreck they should read The Ashtabula Disaster, by Rev. Stephen D. Peet, of Ashtabula, Ohio. It was written in 1877, not long after the disaster occurred, and contains the most descriptive and accurate account that I have found so far. The language is old, but it's not hard to get through. The popular story is that both Charles Collins and Amasa Stone committed suicide, but as I recall, the book seems to suggest otherwise.

The actual disaster sight is still accessible, though a newer bridge now spans the river there. What you failed to notice in Chestnut Grove is that Charles Collins, the bridge engineer, is buried only yards away from the obelisk in an ominous looking mausoleum. Maybe you'll have to come back. :)