Essex steam train12/4/2023 ![]() Shortly after WW1, as roads, automobiles and trucks improved, the Valley Railroad saw a reduction in service by the late 1950’s, it saw only weekday local service with the speed on the line down to 30 MPH from nearly 55 MPH. During this time, the Valley Railroad grew to its limit never being more than a busy branch line with passenger service and freight service consisting of deliveries of supplies and merchandise to communities and factories along the line. ![]() The incorporation was good for the Valley Railroad as the New Haven Railroad put money and improvements into the line. In 1882 the New Haven Railroad did and, ten years later (1892), the Hartford & Connecticut Valley Railroad became part of the New Haven system. ![]() Seeing an opportunity to sell their new line at a good price, the owners of the Hartford & Connecticut Valley Railroad convinced the New Haven Railroad that it should buy control. On July 1, 1880, a company called the Hartford & Connecticut Valley Railroad took control, but simultaneously the New Haven Railroad was rapidly building up its stature in Southern New England. The initial schedules of trains operating along the Valley Railroad called for one mixed (passenger and freight) and four passenger trains each way daily (except Sunday) with fifteen stops along the way.įinancial trouble plagued many early railroads and the Connecticut Valley found theirs in 1876 when it defaulted on its second mortgage bonds and was placed in receivership. ![]() Two days later the first “regular” train was run and, on August 24, 1871, the Connecticut Valley Railroad finally declared an official opening. The first ceremonial train run over the 45 mile line took place on July 29, 1871. With the ease of building a rail line in the Connecticut River Valley that had no tunnels or major bridges, the line was completed during the summer of 1871. Walkeley) – obtained the state charter to build and form the company on July 17, 1868.ĭuring 1868-1869, survey crews worked to map out the line from Hartford to Saybrook Point and, in 1870, actual construction of the line began. After one failed attempt to start, the Valley Railroad Company – led by the President of the Charter Oak Life Insurance Company (James C. For more information on these and other offerings, visit or call 80.In the 1830’s the first growth of railroads began in New England. Our season begins with everyone’s favorite tank engine at A Day Out with Thomas™ in late April and early May, and wraps up with the popular North Pole Express trains in November and December. Relax and enjoy a four-course meal in the 1920s splendor of restored Pullman dining cars aboard the Essex Clipper Dinner Train, May through October. Relish the golden hours of sunset on the river on a Friday night Sunset Cruise aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat, June through October. Back at Deep River, the next train is waiting to return you to Essex. Take the family on a two and a half hour narrated journey through the scenic Connecticut River Valley-named one of the “last great places on Earth” by the Nature Conservancy-aboard the only steam train and riverboat connection in the U.S.! Board the train at Essex station and ride to Deep River Landing, where the Mississippi-style riverboat Becky Thatcher is waiting to transport you up river and back past such sites as Gillette Castle and the Goodspeed Opera House.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |