West Chester Railroad Sign
by Richard Reeve
Title
West Chester Railroad Sign
Artist
Richard Reeve
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
West Chester Railroad Sign - Richard Reeve
One of the earliest railroads in the nation was chartered as the West Chester Railroad Company in 1831. in 1858m some 27 years later, West Chester had a second railroad with the West Chester & Philadelphia Railroad. The railroad was popular and well used, peaking at 24 passenger trains and 3 freight trains per day.
All was to change with the uptake and emphasis on the automobile. Declining use caused the line to close in 1986 and the decision was made to focus on Exton Station, far out of the borough, with no ability for people to simply walk or bike to the station. So much for progress.
The railroad was resurrected as a recreational railroad by the new West Chester Railroad Company and short fun trips can be taken on many weekends and holidays to relive some of the old glory of convenient public transport
Uploaded
August 28th, 2023
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Comments (1)
Meg Shearer
I didn't know any of this. The history is sad yet unsurprising, but I didn't know you could take recreational rides! That's fun! Thank you!
Richard Reeve replied:
Thank you, Meg. Yes, it is a shame that the University Town doesn't have a great public transport system. The holiday train in the fall and Christmas is a fun, although short, ride.
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