Speaker Series: The Railroads & Ashland County 1850-1930 with Bill Snyder

When railroads spread across the United States, they brought permanent changes to every aspect of society. Ashland County was no exception, as the county’s industries and growth were impossible without the advancement of rail. In his 2004 book, local historian, retired librarian at the Ashland Public Library, and train enthusiast, Bill Snyder, explores the little-known story of one of the nation’s rail lines – the Lorain, Ashland & Southern Railroad.

Join ACHS at the Freer Children’s Home as Snyder recounts his journey and passion for showcasing the important part of our communities’ histories from the earliest days of railroad ventures in North Central Ohio to the ghosts of the Rattlesnake and Ramsey lines after the 1950s.

Book discussion on his 2004 research and publication, The Rattlesnake and the Ramsey: The History of the Lorain, Ashland, and Southern Railroad.

This event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:00 with the program starting promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Special thanks:

The 2026 ACHS Speaker Series is made possible, in part, thanks to a grant from the Ashland County Community Foundation.