Erie Railroad Main Line Opens

On August 18, 1850, the Erie Railroad opened its full main line, the longest railroad in the United States at the time. This engineering feat connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie, overcoming steep grades and rugged terrain in the Southern Tier. Key figures included president Eleazar Lord and chief engineer John B. Jervis. The line used a unique 6-foot broad gauge and spurred economic growth by linking New York City markets to western trade routes, influencing later standard-gauge conversions and competition with the New York Central.