The Underground Railroad

After northern states began abolishing slavery during the Revolutionary era, fugitives from throughout southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina started to escape by ship from the Norfolk waterfront. With luck and determination, many succeeded in enlisting the aid of black ...

The Underground Railroad

After northern states began abolishing slavery during the Revolutionary era, fugitives from throughout southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina started to escape by ship from the Norfolk waterfront. With luck and determination, many succeeded in enlisting the aid of black ...

Coming of the Railroad

Near here took place the historic meeting of John C. Moomaw and C. M. Thomas that led to the termination of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad at Big Lick (now Roanoke), April, 1881. This was the beginning of the city of ...

The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad in Rockport

During its early years Rockport relied on Gulf shipping for goods and services. After the arrival of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad in 1888, however, the town’s economic focus changed to include rail shipping and a burgeoning tourism ...

The Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) Terminal

Ferry Houses: Connecting People, Boats and Trains

From 1864 until 1967: the Central Railroad of New Jersey (CRRNJ) Terminal provided a vital link between the New Jersey and New York City shores. At its busiest, more than 200 ferry sailings ...

The Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal

This terminal was completed in June, 1889 and became fully operational on October 6, 1889. For almost 80 years it served as the main passenger terminal for the Central Railroad Company of New Jersey at this strategic Jersey City waterfront ...

The Delaware Railroad

From the earliest days of rail construction in this country, the advantages of linking the Delmarva Peninsula to the expanding urban markets of the nation were obvious. In 1836 the General Assembly chartered the Delaware Railroad for the purpose of ...

The International Memorial to the Underground Railroad

Detroit Michigan became a well-known destination along the Underground Railroad, due in large part to its proximity to Canada. Slavery was outlawed in Canada in 1833 and many American slaves seeking freedom sought refuge in that country.

By the 1830s, ...

Stone Blocks from the Camden and Amboy Railroad

These stone blocks, which were cut by hand by prisoners at Sing Sing Prison, were originally intended to support wooden rails, topped with iron straps, as was common practice at the time (c. 1830). This would have sufficed if the ...

Canals and Railroads – Arteries to the Heart of Industrial Trent

As the United States began to feel the full force of the Industrial Revolution and expand its own manufacturing and commercial base, cities like Trenton that were blessed with an advantageous location were in the forefront of transportation developments. By ...