In the first seven years of railroading in Michigan (1830–1837), the Michigan Territorial Council approved charters for 23 private railroad companies. Of these, only five completed and opened lines, and then for a total in-state (excluding Ohio) length of only .
Between 1830 and 1837, during the early stages of railroading in Michigan, the Michigan Territorial Council granted charters to 23 private railroad companies. Only five of these completed and opened lines, with a total in-state (excluding Ohio) length of .