The CD&M provided local and interurban service on 60 miles (97 km) of track as The Columbus, Delaware and Marion Electric Railway Company.

[3][7] The CD&M also generated electricity for Marion and sold power to the Middle West Utilities System.

As a means of increasing off hours riders, the company developed Glenmary Park north of Worthington to attract interurban passengers with playing fields and picnic areas,[4][8] and provided partial funding for Crystal Lake Amusement Park north of Marion, Ohio.

In October 1904, the CD&M incorporated as a holding company operating through its subsidiary the Columbus, Delaware, and Marion Electric Railroad.

[12] The Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington operates on about one mile of former Columbus, Delaware and Marion right-of-way.