A 1914 merger which created the New York Central Railroad led to the DM&T's consolidation into the new road, ending its existence.

[2] The charter allowed for a line originating in Detroit, Michigan, passing roughly along the shoreline of Lake Erie to the small town of Monroe on the Ohio-Michigan border.

[1] By the end of June 1856, the DM&T had constructed 54 miles (87 km) of track from Detroit south to the Michigan state line.

[3] The terms of the lease required the MS&NI to finish the line from the Michigan border into Toledo, and to assume payment on all outstanding bonds and other debt of the DM&T.

[1] Over the next five months, the MS&NI completed the final 11 miles (18 km) of track,[4][2] with the last rail laid on December 25, 1856.