The train made it happen in the Hudson Valley. We don’t think much about it, but railroads were a major boost to the area’s commerce and accessibility. Before trains, goods and people could move to and through the Hudson Valley by wagon, stagecoach, or Hudson River sloop. What a difference the train made! Train service to the Hudson Valley started in 1840, connecting New York City with Westchester.
The difference in transportation types is obvious when compared using metrics of those times. Take the sloop when in good condition; a trip between New York and Albany could take as little as 24 hours. The trip could take several days in bad weather or with little wind. Stagecoaches covered up to 60-70 miles per day (most often half this), but they had to change horses frequently, each team only doing 15 miles daily at around five mph. Trains averaged 20 miles per hour but could reach 30 miles per hour on level ground. To passengers back then, it must have been like riding a lightning bolt.
Train service in the Hudson Valley began with the New York and Harlem Railroad (NY&H) established in 1832. In 1840, the charter was amended to allow the railroad to extend service into Westchester County. Again, it was extended in 1845 to connect with Albany and later in 1852 to Chatham, New York.
Service continued to change, and the line was acquired by Commodore Vanderbilt in 1870. It was leased to the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company in 1871 and to the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company in 1871. The line became part of the Metro-North Railroad and is now known as the Harlem Line.
Today, we are witnessing a resurgence in train ridership, a testament to the enduring relevance of the train in the Hudson Valley. Lines are expanding services, and many businesses and residents are strategically locating themselves within walking distance of a Hudson Valley train station, further fueling this resurgence.
The Sojourner
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