A general chronology of the pennsylvania railroad company
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| A GENERAL CHRONOLOGY OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD COMPANY
PREDECESSORS AND SUCCESSORS AND ITS HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Info from http://www.prrths.com/Hagley/PRR_hagley_intro.htm
Philadelphia and Cape May with Delaware. (Lane) Nov. 6, 1827 Petition for railroad from South Amboy to Camden introduced in N.J. Assembly. (AssyMin) Jan. 14, 1828 Public meeting for railroad from Camden to South Amboy held at Mount Holly, N.J. (Watkins) Jan. 21, 1828 Bill for a Camden & Amboy Railroad Company introduced in N.J. Assembly. (AssyMin) 1828 Camden, N.J., incorporated as a city. Feb. 4, 1830 Camden & Amboy Railroad & Transportation Co. and (second) Delaware & Raritan Canal Co. incorporated in New Jersey on same day after compromise reached between supporters of each project. (Digest, Lane) Apr. 28, 1830 Camden & Amboy Railroad & Transportation Company organized at hotel of Isaiah Toy at Front & Federal Streets, Camden; Robert Livingston Stevens named Pres.; Edwin A. Stevens Treasurer; Jeremiah H. Sloan of Camden, Secretary. (MB, Watkins) J June 16, 1830 Surveys for Camden & Amboy Railroad begun under Chief Engineer Maj. John Wilson; William Cook in charge of section from South Amboy to Bordentown and J. Edgar Thomson in charge of section from Bordentown to Camden. (Prowell, Watkins) Sep. 14, 1830 Camden & Amboy Railroad authorizes purchase of iron rails and sends Robert L. Stevens to England to make contracts. (MB) Oct. 13, 1830 Robert L. Stevens leaves New York on the Hibernia enroute to England to order rails and a locomotive for Camden & Amboy Railroad. (Turnbull) Nov. 26, 1830 Robert L. Stevens of Camden & Amboy, after arriving in Liverpool, issues a circular for iron works to roll the modern form of T-rail (42# per yard) which he had devised during the ocean crossing. (Watkins) Dec. 4, 1830 Construction of Camden & Amboy begins at Bordentown. (Watkins) Dec. 6, 1830 Robert L. Stevens contracts with Robert Stephenson & Co. of Newcastle for a locomotive similar to the Planet but with 0-4-0 arrangement and domed firebox similar to that developed by Stephenson's rival Edward Bury of Liverpool. (White) Mar. 2, 1832 "Protection Act" grants Joint Companies exclusive right to carry freight and passengers across New Jersey between New York and Philadelphia; in return, the Joint Companies give the state another 1,000 shares and right to appoint a second director; Joint Companies guarantee the state a minimum income of $30,000 per year from dividends and transit duties; also authorizes branch railroad from Spotswood to New Brunswick to connect with New Jersey Railroad & Transportation Company; income from the Joint Companies eventually pays over half the expenses of state government, and promise of low taxes makes bill irresistible. (Digest, Lane) Dec. 29. 1834 Camden & Amboy completed from Bordentown to Camden. (ETFrancis has 12/29/34!? - uses ferry of Reeves & Knissel) Dec. 29, 1834 Philadelphia-New York mail via Camden & Amboy first sent via ferry to Camden (and stage connection). (Prowell) Jan. 5, 1836 At meeting at Woodbury, N.J., Henry R. Campbell reports estimate of $80,000 for Camden & Woodbury Railroad. Mar. 1, 1836 Camden & Woodbury Railroad & Transportation Company incorporated in N.J. Mar. 5, 1836 Camden & Philadelphia Steam Boat Ferry Company incorporated in interest of Camden & Amboy; to operate between Federal Street, Camden, to Market Street, Philadelphia. Mar. 26, 1836 Camden & Philadelphia Steam Boat Ferry Company organized at Camden; Joseph Kaighn, Pres. Nov. 25, 1837 Secondhand locomotive Fire Fly first placed on Camden & Woodbury Railroad; Fire Fly and Red Rover were built by Tayleur in Britain (cn's 4 & 5) and were originally used on Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad. Jan. 10, 1838 Camden & Woodbury Railroad & Transportation Company opens between Camden and Woodbury with locomotive Fire Fly and car Woodbury. Jan. 20, 1838 Camden & Woodbury Railroad holds official opening excursion between Camden and Woodbury, N.J. Jan. 29 1838 Camden & Woodbury Railroad opens for revenue between Camden and Woodbury, N.J. with three round trips; uses Camden terminal of Camden & Amboy and Walnut Street ferry. Feb. 22, 1838 Supplement to charter of Camden & Woodbury Railroad & Transportation Company authorizes branches to Kaighns Point, Gloucester Point and Haddonfield. Mar. 1, 1839 Charter supplement to Camden & Woodbury Railroad & Transportation Company authorizes extension to Delaware Bay between Stow Creek and Cape May, with a branch to Cape Island. Aug. 15, 1840 Camden & Woodbury Railroad & Transportation Company sold at foreclosure to Amos Campbell subject to other judgements to William D. Lewis, Colkett & Sterns, et al.; Coffin Colkett buys four passenger and one freight car; William C. Hancock, operating the road under lease from Henry R. Campbell, is dispossessed; operating continues under John D. Campbell, brother of Henry R. Campbell. Mar. 19, 1852 Camden & Atlantic Railroad incorporated in N.J. to build from Camden to Absecon Island, then practically uninhabited; principal backers are Samuel Richards, proprietor of the Atsion Tract, Andrew K. Hay of the Winslow Tract, Stephen Colwell and W. Dwight Bell of the Weymouth Tract, and Jesse Richards of the Batsto Tract, all of who desire outlets for their glass works and iron furnaces; idea of developing a seaside resort is thrown in to attract outside investors. Apr. 10, 1852 First meeting to agitate for West Jersey Railroad held at Salem. June 2, 1852 Promoters of West Jersey Railroad select Gen. William Cook to make preliminary survey. June 4, 1852 Camden & Atlantic Railroad organized at Arch Street House, Philadelphia. June 1852 Chief Engineer Osborne and directors of Camden & Atlantic Railroad first visit proposed terminus on nearly deserted Absecon Island. July 29, 1852 Charles Kaighn proposes that Camden & Atlantic Railroad make its Camden terminal at Kaighns Point. Sep. 14, 1852 Camden & Atlantic Railroad purchases Camden terminal site on Coopers Point from J.W. Cooper. Sep. 28, 1852 Camden & Atlantic Railroad Board appoints Enoch Doughty and Jonathan Pitney to examine title to beach property on Absecon Island. Nov. 1, 1852 William Cook presents report on survey for the West Jersey Railroad from Camden to Cape May; recommends route via Glassboro and Millville over route via Salem. Nov. 19, 1852 Camden & Atlantic Railroad Board reports acquisition of ferry between Coopers Point and Vine Street, Philadelphia, from William W. Cooper for $40,000; authorizes Enoch Doughty and Jonathan Pintney to purchase beach and meadow property on Absecon Island. 1852 Richard B. Osborne plats seaside resort on Absecon Island which he names Atlantic City; main avenues named for oceans and cross streets for states; the game board for Monopoly is later derived from this plan. Feb. 4, 1853 Camden & Atlantic Railroad Board authorizes completing purchase of Vine Street ferry from W.W. Cooper for cash and stock. Feb. 5, 1853 West Jersey Railroad Company incorporated to build from Camden to Cape May. Feb. 25, 1853 Camden & Atlantic Railroad Board authorizes committee to go to Trenton to lobby for charter for Camden & Atlantic Land Company to develop Absecon Island. Mar. 19, 1853 Camden & Atlantic Railroad sells lot on Absecon Beach to William Neligh at $100 per acre (ten times what railroad paid), he to construct United States Hotel, one wing of which is to be done by July 15. May 3, 1853 West Jersey Railroad organized at Camden; R.F. Stockton and Stevens brothers control company through stock ownership; T. Jones Yorke (1801-1882) of Salem elected Secretary-Treasurer. May 9, 1853 West Jersey Railroad organized at Salem; Robert F. Stockton elected Pres. and William Cook named Chief Engineer. June 1, 1853 West Jersey Railroad begins final survey between Camden and Cape May. June 18, 1853 Camden & Atlantic Railroad establishes new ferry between Vine Street, Philadelphia, and Coopers Point, Camden; until construction of own boats, will use steamboat Coopers Point. June 20, 1853 West Jersey Railroad breaks ground at 7th Street in Camden. Sep. 7, 1853 Camden & Atlantic Railroad opens between Camden (Coopers Point) and Haddonfield, N.J. Nov. 21, 1853 Camden & Atlantic Railroad opens between Haddonfield and Berlin, N.J. Jan. 1854 Camden & Atlantic Railroad opens between Haddonfield and Winslow. Feb. 2, 1854 New Jersey resolution authorizes Joint Companies to subscribe up to $800,000 to West Jersey Railroad and endorse its bonds. Apr. 16, 1854 Nor'easter washes out Camden & Atlantic grading across Absecon Meadows. *Jan. 1854 Camden & Atlantic Railroad opens between Haddonfield and Winslow. *Feb. 2, 1854 New Jersey resolution authorizes Joint Companies to subscribe up to $800,000 to West Jersey Railroad and endorse its bonds. *Apr. 16, 1854 Nor'easter washes out Camden & Atlantic grading across Absecon Meadows. *July 1, 1854 Camden & Atlantic Railroad holds opening excursion to Atlantic City with locomotive Atsion and 9 cars; also marks opening of United States Hotel on Atlantic Avenue between Maryland and Delaware Avenues, first hotel in Atlantic City. July 2, 1854 Camden & Atlantic Railroad begins revenue service between Camden (Coopers Point) and Atlantic City (Inlet?), opening line east of Winslow. Apr. 6, 1855 George W. Richards elected Pres. of Camden & Atlantic Railroad, replacing Samuel Richards. Mar. 14, 1856 Salem Railroad incorporated in N.J. to build from point on West Jersey Railroad to Salem. 1856 Camden & Amboy Railroad extends bulkhead 230 feet to the west at Camden terminal. Feb. 4, 1857 F.B. Chetwood, President of Raritan & Delaware Bay Railroad which is contemplating building a makeshift route between New York and Philadelphia via Port Monmouth, Lakehurst and Atco, in defiance of the Camden & Amboy Monopoly, writes to PRR seeking financial aid. (MB) Apr. 14, 1857 West Jersey Railroad opens between Camden (7th Street Jct.) and Woodbury using old Camden & Woodbury right-of-way; controlled by Joint Companies; revenue service begins April 15. July 13, 1857 John Brodhead elected Pres. of Camden & Atlantic Railroad, replacing George W. Richards. 1857 Camden & Amboy Railroad completes facility at Camden for loading trains directly from New York-Baltimore barge line operating via Chesapeake & Delaware Canal so can operate service year round when Delaware & Raritan Canal is closed by ice. (AR) June 13, 1858Millville & Glassboro Railroad organized; controlled by Richard D. Wood, proprietor of Millville cotton factories; Thomas H. Whiting, Pres.; George B. Roberts, Chief Engineer. 1858 Camden & Amboy Railroad completes new passenger and freight slips at Camden. (AR) Mar. 9, 1859 Millville & Glassboro Railroad incorporated in N.J. June 12, 1859 Millville & Glassboro Railroad organized at Malaga; directors include Thomas H. Whitney of Whitney Bros. of Glassboro, Richard D. Wood, proprietor of iron works and cotton mill at Millville, and Robert F. Stockton. (MB) 1859 Camden & Amboy builds new car house, 146 x 46, at Camden for extra cars needed for increased business. (AR) Mar. 15, 1860 N.J. act authorizes Millville & Glassboro Railroad to extend to Cape May. (Val) May 19, 1860 Commissioners for Salem Railroad organize at Salem, N.J. July 4, 1860 Millville & Glassboro Railroad operates special train between Millville? And Forest Grove, N.J. (ARJ says op. spec. train Millville?- Forest Grove only!) Sep. 10, 1860 Joint Companies' Executive Committee approves West Jersey Railroad's subscription of $15,000 to Salem Railroad. (MB) Sep. 19, 1860 Joint Companies' Board orders West Jersey Railroad to assist Millville & Glassboro Railroad's extension to Cape May Sep. 24, 1860 Joint Companies' Executive Committee authorizes West Jersey Railroad to take $75,000 of Millville & Glassboro Railroad bonds. (MB) Sep. 24, 1860 Millville & Glassboro Railroad opens for revenue service between Glassbor and Millville with two round trips; offers stage connection to West Jersey Railroad at Woodbury. Nov. 11, 1860 Gen. William Cook begins survey for Salem Railroad. Mar. 8, 1861 Supplement to Camden & Atlantic Railroad charter authorizes construction down the length of Absecon Island. (PL) Mar. 13, 1861 Williamstown Railroad incorporated in N.J. Apr. 6, 1861 West Jersey Railroad opens for revenue service between Woodbury and Glassboro, connecting with Millville & Glassboro Railroad. July 24, 1861 West Jersey Railroad holds opening excursion to Bridgeton, opening line from Glassboro; revenue service begins July 25. Aug. 31, 1861 Work begins on Salem Railroad Feb. 16, 1862 Camden & Atlantic Railroad signs revised contract with Raritan & Delaware Bay Railroad. (AR) Apr. 19, 1862 Millville & Glassboro Railroad Board approves contract with C.B. Dungan to build Cape May extension and a $200,000 bond issue; extension later finished by Cape May & Millville Railroad. (MB, Val)
extend a branch to the Kaighns Point ferry. (ARJ - prob 1s week or late May)
July 24, 1865 West Jersey Railroad ferry connection moved from Walnut Street to Market Street, Philadelphia. 1865 Camden & Amboy builds two additional car floats for service on Delaware River at Camden; makes total of six, implying first introduced ca. 1863-64. (AR) Feb. 23, 1866 Swedesboro Railroad incorporated in N.J. to build from Woodbury to Swedesboro. (Val) Mar. 27, 1866 Bridgeton & Port Norris Railroad incorporated in N.J. (PL) Oct. 7, 1866 Commodore Robert F. Stockton (1795-1866), president of Delaware & Raritan Canal and West Jersey Railroad, dies. (DAB) Nov. 24, 1866 T. Jones Yorke elected Pres. of West Jersey Railroad, replacing Robert F. Stockton, deceased; Gen. William J. Sewell (1835-1901), a veteran of Chancellorsville, named Superintendent; Sewell eventually becomes chief PRR political representative, U.S. Senator (1881-1887, 1895-1901) and Republican Party boss of southern New Jerse May 18, 1867 Swedesboro Railroad organized at Swedesboro; Joshua S. Thomson, Pres. (Val, C&C) *Oct. 12, 1867 Millville & Glassboro Railroad and Cape May & Millville Railroad merged into West Jersey Railroad. (C&C) Nov. 1867 Construction begins on Swedesboro Railroad in N.J. (Val) *Apr. 1, 1868 Millville & Glassboro Railroad conveys all property to West Jersey Railroad under agreement of Oct. 12, 1867; operation by George W. Thomas & Co. ends. (Val) May 19, 1868 West Jersey Railroad leases Salem Railroad (Elmer-Salem) retroactive to Jan. 1, 1868. (Val) Spring 1868 West Jersey Railroad opens Sea Breeze Excursion House on beachfront at Cape May; extends spur from old station for excursion trains. June 1, 1868 West Jersey Railroad begins operating Cape May & Millville Railroad under lease of May 16, 1868. (Val) June 1868 West Jersey Railroad leases Salem Railroad. (date from C&C) July 1868 West Jersey Railroad and Camden & Burlington County Railroad begin issuing commutation tickets. (USRR&MR) Feb. 10, 1869 Sea View Hotel Company incorporated to build hotel and excursion house at Atlantic City; owned by Camden & Atlantic Railroad. (Manual) May 1869 Tracks of Camden & Amboy Railroad and West Jersey Railroad being connected at Camden. (SG) June 27, 1869 Tracklaying begins on Swedesboro Railroad in N.J. (WdbryCnstn) Aug. 17, 1869 West Jersey Railroad leases Swedesboro Railroad. (Val) Sep. 11, 1869 Last spike driven on Swedesboro Railroad between Woodbury and Swedesboro, N.J. (WdbryCnstn) Sep. 14, 1869 S.W. & W.A. Torrey and Camden & Atlantic Railroad convey Batsto Branch (Atsion-Atco), which Camden & Atlantic Railroad had refused to accept, to Raritan & Delaware Bay Railroad; eventually passes to CNJ system. (Val, CNJVal) Oct 2, 1869 Swedesboro Railroad opens for revenue service between Woodbury and Swedesboro, N.J.; operated by West Jersey Railroad under lease of Aug. 17, 1869. (WdbryCnstn, Val) 1869 Camden & Atlantic Railroad deeds its Batsto Branch, which it never accepted from contractors, to Raritan & Delaware Bay Railroad; becomes part of CNJ system. Feb. 16, 1870 New Jersey act confirms sale of Camden & Atlantic Railroad's Batsto Branch to Raritan & Delaware Bay Railroad. (Val) Mar. 21, 1871 Woodstown & Swedesboro Railroad incorporated in N.J. to build from Swedesboro to a connection with the Salem Railroad. (Val) Mar. 22, 1871 Mays Landing & Egg Harbor City Railroad incorporated in N.J. (NJCorp) Apr. 26, 1871 PRR Board approves, in principle, a lease of the United Canal & Railroad Companies of New Jersey at 10% annual dividend by vote of 11-4; high rate is particularly burdensome in depression that follows between 1873 and 1879, but Thomson believes cost is justified by giving PRR the best route between Philadelphia and New York. (MB) May 8, 1871 Joint Board of United Companies debates preliminary draft of PRR lease; agrees that 10% annual payment will be called "rent" and not "dividend"; United Companies to issue 22,500 new shares, which PRR will take in payment for improvements; reads letter of Reading Pres. F.B. Gowen to lease Delaware & Raritan Canal or entire property at same price as PRR plus $500,000 bonus. (MB) May 10, 1871 Stockholders of Joint Companies approve lease to PRR. (MB) May 15, 1871 PRR Board approves text of United Canal & Railroad Companies of New Jersey lease by vote of 12-2. (MB) May 17, 1871 Reading Pres. F.B. Gowen withdraws offer to lease United Companies, having arranged with PRR to retain its rights to ship coal over Delaware & Raritan Canal. (MB) May 19, 1871 Joint Board of United Companies approves lease to PRR by vote of 16-9; those opposed were primarily officers who wanted company to remain independent: Ashbel Welch, W.H. Gatzmer, A.W. Markley, __ Conover, Benjamin Fish, D.S. Gregory, __ Howell, Charles Macalester and Nehemiah Perry. (MB) June 14, 1871 Minority stockholders of Joint Companies sue to block lease to PRR in New Jersey Court of Chancery. Directory: groups groups -> What is ascaa? groups -> Tiger Leaps Progress Update from Tenafly High School March 28, 2012 English groups -> Personal Data: Name : Prasanna. S educational Qualification groups -> Traffic alert and Collision Avoidance System or tcas groups -> 1980s Type Card Master List from Standard Catalog 1980 Burger King Phillies groups -> Lima Site 85 Personnel List groups -> General knowledge groups -> Kenneth pomeranz the great himalayan watershed groups -> Christina Maria Bergqvist Download 319.69 Kb. Share with your friends:
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