ABC Railway's beginnings trace back to the organization of the Akron and Barberton Belt Railroad (ABB) which was formed in 1902.

By the 1980s, ABB's traffic had fallen due to a lack of business in the tire industry in Akron.

[1] It also included the former Erie main line from Barberton to Rittman and from Kent to Ravenna, Ohio sold by Conrail.

ABCR has trackage rights on CSX's New Castle Subdivision from the yard in Akron south to Barberton, where it swings off around their headquarters area.

ABCR has purchased trackage rights with METRO Regional Transit Authority in 2006, to connect to the Canton area.