from
History of Providence County, Rhode Island
Edited by Richard M. Bayles.
In two volumes, illustrated. Vol. I.
New York: W. W. Preston & Co., 1891.
pp. 264 - 285. (part 20)
"A few years later the question of joining with the Boston & Providence and
the then unfinished Providence & Worcester roads in a union passenger
station was proposed. The necessary extension of the New York, Providence
& Boston from Hill's wharf was completed in May, 1848, and regular trains
passed over it on the first of that month, forming an uninterrupted
connection with the Boston & Providence road, avoiding the transfer by
ferry across the harbor. The union passenger station was not occupied till
later. In January, 1858, the connections of the road were further
increased by the completion of the New London & Stonington railroad, and by
the extension of its own tracks to Groton. Thus, by means of the ferry at
this point, the all-rail connection to New York was formed over the 'Shore
Line'. In 1860 the steamboat terminus of the road was likewise removed
from Stonington to New London. In this and the following year two of the
sound steamboats which had been run by the Merchants' Navigation and
Transportation Company, forming the Stonington line to New York, were
lost. This practically resulted in the failure of that company and the
suspension of the boat line for over a year. In January, 1868, the new
boats of the Stonington Steamboat Company began their trips. Of this
company the New York, Providence & Boston Railroad Company owned more than
a five-sixths interest, and thus a constant connection with the railroad
was insured.
Ever since the compromise was made in 1843 the financial condition of the
railroad has been good, and its operation uninterrupted. Its important
connections have been of great service in furthering the trade and
prosperity of Providence. Its capital has been increased by legislative
authority from $1,200,000 to $3,000,000.
The Providence & Worcester Railroad Company was incorporated by the general
assembly of Rhode Island at its May session, 1844, with a capital of
$1,000,000. The two preceding railroads had been several years completed
and in successful operation, and their value thoroughly tried. The stock
of the proposed road was soon taken and organization effected, Mr.
Alexander Duncan being chosen first president. The first meeting of the
directors was held in Providence, May 20th, 1844. By 1847 the road was far
advanced toward completion, and on September 27th of that year it was
opened for travel as far as Millville, a distance of 20 miles. October 23d
the entire line was opened. The occasion was celebrated by an excursion of
the stockholders over the road on a special train and by the ringing of
bells and firing of cannon all along the route. Trains were there after
run 'with great regularity', according to the directors' reports."
continued in part 21.