It was incorporated in 1868 and constructed a line between Jackson, Michigan, and South Bend, Indiana.

[2] The two companies were consolidated on July 2, 1868, to form the Michigan Air Line Railroad.

[5] At the same time, the backers of the Michigan Air Line Railroad founded another company with the same name in Illinois.

[6] The company completed the first 24 miles (39 km) between Jackson and Homer, Michigan, in the summer of 1870.

[7] The branch to South Bend opened in 1872, using the route and franchise of the St. Joseph Valley Railroad, merged in 1870.