1851
175th anniversary
OpeningUnited States
Erie Railroad Reaches Dunkirk
Erie Railroad
Dunkirk, New York
July 3, 1851
Summary
The Erie Railroad completed its main line from Piermont to Dunkirk, New York, becoming the first railroad to connect the Hudson River with Lake Erie.
Full Story
On July 3, 1851, the Erie Railroad triumphantly completed its ambitious 446-mile line from Piermont-on-Hudson to Dunkirk on Lake Erie. This engineering feat overcame challenging terrain through the Catskills and Southern Tier using innovative construction techniques and early steam locomotives like the 'Orange' and 'Dunkirk'. Key figures included president Eleazar Lord and chief engineer John B. Jervis. The opening boosted trade between New York City and the Great Lakes, spurring economic growth and setting standards for long-distance railroading in America.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- July 3, 1851
- Event Type
- Opening
- Country
- United States
- Years Ago
- 175
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