The state of Delaware has a rich history of railroads, with many companies operating in the area during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Delaware Railroad Map is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about the history of these railways, their routes, and the impact they had on the state’s economy.
Delaware Railroad Map
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The Delaware and Maryland Railroad, also known as the “Queen Anne’s Railroad,” was chartered in 1831 and began operating in 1859. It connected the towns of Delmar, Delaware, and Berlin, Maryland, with a branch line to Ocean City, Maryland. The company was acquired by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1928 and operated as a subsidiary until it was abandoned in 1934.
The Delaware Coast Line Railroad was a short-line railroad that operated in southern Delaware from 1982 to 1986. It ran from a connection with the Pennsylvania Railroad in Frankford, Delaware, to the Indian River power plant in Dagsboro, Delaware. The company was acquired by the Delaware and Hudson Railway in 1986 and eventually became part of the Norfolk Southern Railway system.
The Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad, also known as the DL&W, was a major player in the transportation industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company operated several routes in Delaware, including the Delaware Division and the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. It also had connections to New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The DL&W was acquired by the Erie Railroad in 1960 and eventually became part of the Conrail system.
The Delaware and Hudson Railway was a major player in the transportation industry in the northeast United States from the late 19th century until the late 20th century. It operated several routes in Delaware, including the Delmarva Division, which connected Wilmington, Delaware, with the ports of Baltimore and Norfolk, Virginia. The company was acquired by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1991 and eventually became part of the Canadian National Railway system.
The Maryland and Delaware Railroad was a short-line railroad that operated in eastern Maryland and Delaware from 1977 to 2006. It ran from Townsend, Delaware, to Delmar, Maryland, with several branches and connections to other railroads. The company was acquired by the Genesee and Wyoming Railroad in 2006 and continues to operate under that name today.
The Pennsylvania Railroad, also known as the PRR, was one of the largest and most powerful railroad companies in the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It operated several routes in Delaware, including the Philadelphia Division, the Delmarva Division, and the Wilmington and Northern Branch. The PRR was merged with the New York Central Railroad in 1968 to form the Penn Central Transportation Company, which eventually became part of the Conrail system.
The Wilmington and Northern Railroad, also known as the W&N, was a short-line railroad that operated in northern Delaware from 1867 to 1972. It ran from Wilmington to the Pennsylvania border, with connections to several other railroads. The company was acquired by the Reading Company in 1945 and eventually became part of the Conrail system.
In conclusion, the Delaware Railroad Map is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to explore the state’s rich railroad history. The map provides a detailed overview of the various rail lines that once crisscrossed Delaware, including both passenger and freight routes. By studying the map, researchers, historians, and railroad enthusiasts can gain a deeper understanding of how rail transportation shaped Delaware’s economy and society. Additionally, the Delaware Railroad Map can be used to plan rail-based excursions or to locate historical landmarks related to the state’s railroad history. Overall, the Delaware Railroad Map remains a critical tool for anyone interested in understanding Delaware’s past and present relationship with rail transportation.
