Atlantic City Railroad
Encyclopedia
The Atlantic City Railroad was a Philadelphia and Reading Railway subsidiary that became part of Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines
in 1933.
which wanted a rail line to link the busy passenger ferry landing at Kaighn’s Point in Camden
to the Gloucester City
industrial area 3.9 miles away , then from that point another 1.3 miles to Mount Ephraim Borough
.
A 3-foot gauge was required, as much of the right of way used existing city streets with sharp curves. Work began in January, 1874, The line from Kaighn’s Point to Gloucester City
opened on 14 February 1874. The line to Mount Ephraim Borough
opened in May 1876. In the middle of November, 1884, the Philadelphia and Reading Railway acquired the Camden, Gloucester & Mt Ephraim Railway. The Philadelphia and Reading Railway reworked the track to standard gauge in 1885.
to Atlantic City NJ, by way of Clementon NJ.
Incorporated on 24 March 1876. A gauge of 3 foot 6 inches was selected because narrow gauge was successful at the time and saved in lower operating cost. Work began in April 1877. The track work was completed in 90 days! On Saturday, 7 July 1877 the final spike was driven and the 54.67 miles line was opened. On 12 July 1878 the P&AC RY slipped into bankruptcy. The Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway was acquired by the CNJ
and the Philadelphia and Reading Railway for $1,000,000 on 20 September 1883. And the name was modified to Philadelphia and Atlantic City RailROAD effective 4 December 1883. The first thing done was standard gauge the line , It was completed on 5 October 1884. The Philadelphia and Reading Railway acquired full control on 4 December 1885.
to build a line from Atco
to Williamstown, And later to Glassboro NJ. The 9.5 mile line was completed in 1873. The line slipped bankruptcy in November 1881. The Williamstown Railroad had graded a line to Glassboro NJ but the rail was only laid 1.7 miles to Robanna NJ. The Williamstown Railroad was acquired by the CNJ
and the Philadelphia and Reading Railway on 6 October 1883 at foreclosure sale. And the name was modified to Williamstown & Delaware River Railroad effective 7 December 1883.
and Spring Mills, home of the Bateman Manufacturing Company where two plants were in use constructing farm equipment. As of 31 December 1890, 5 miles of railroad were completed south of Mt. Ephraim. The remaining 2.19 miles were finished on 10 May 1891. Spring Mills saw its first train during the third week in March, while the first carload of farm equipment and tools did not leave Bateman Manufacturing until the beginning of April. Stations were constructed along the Camden County Railroad at Bellmawr
, Runnemede
, Glendora
, Chews Landing
formerly South Glendora, Blenheim
, Blackwood
, and Spring Mills, renamed Grenloch (in Gloucester Township, New Jersey
) upon completion of the line. After construction was complete, the Camden County Railroad, which had been established with the sole purpose of constructing this extension, was leased to the Atlantic City Railroad.
Atlantic City Railroad Timetable No. 3, effective 14 April 1892, was the first to show trains operating on the Gloucester Branch between Mt. Ephraim and Grenloch.
, Sea Isle City
and Cape May
to Stone Harbor
; it was merged with the PRSL in 1936.
; it was merged with the ACRR (by then PRSL) in 1934.
Oct. 26, 1880 Pleasantville & Ocean City Railroad (3'-6" narrow gauge) opens between Pleasantville and Somers Point, N.J.; operated by Philadelphia & Atlantic City Railway; opening excursion runs from Philadelphia to Ocean City;Ocean City Association operates connecting steamboat between Somers Point and Ocean City. (Val, Lee)
May 1882 William Massey sells the Pleasantville & Ocean City Railroad to the West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad .
June 1, 1882 The West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad leases the Pleasantville & Ocean City Railroad and converted to standard gauge on June 4, 1882.
April 21, 1890 Pomona Beach Railroad incorporated in New Jersey to build from Camden and Atlantic Railroad to the Atlantic City Railroad at Pomona, to connect the Brigantine Beach Railroad with the ACRR.
Aug. 18, 1890 Brigantine Beach Railroad and Pomona Beach Railroad are leased to Atlantic City Railroad.
Jasn. 27, 1891 Pomona Beach Railroad consolidated with Brigantine Beach Railroad, that now runs from Brigantine Beach to Brigantine Junction 13.90 miles.
1893 Brigantine Transit Company built as an electric trolley line, The road extends along Brigantine Beach NJ a distance of six and one quarter miles.
June 27, 1895 The secretary of Brigantine Transit Company, George H. Cook buys the Brigantine Beach Railroad at foreclosure sale.
April 1, 1896 the Brigantine Beach Railroad reincorporated as Philadelphia & Brigantine Railroad; George H. Cook Pres.; The Philadelphia & Brigantine Railroad lease Brigantine Transit Company.
Sep. 30 1897 Atlantic City Railroad canceled the lease of Philadelphia & Brigantine Railroad.
Sep. 12, 1903 Storm destroys trestle leading to Brigantine Island on Philadelphia & Brigantine Railroad. (Coxey)
Oct. 9, 1903 Philadelphia & Brigantine Railroad abandons all service. (Coxey)
and Reading Company
joined their southern New Jersey railroad lines into one company, The Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines
which the Pennsylvania Railroad had a 2/3 ownership, And the Reading Company had a 1/3 ownership.
On 15 July 1933, The Atlantic City Railroad leased the West Jersey & Seashore Railroad and changed its name to Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines
.
Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines
Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines was a railroad that operated in southern New Jersey in the 20th century. It was created as a joint venture of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Reading Company .- History :...
in 1933.
History
Effective 1 April 1889 the Philadelphia and Reading Railway consolidated all of its railroads in Southern New Jersey into The Atlantic City Railroad.Speed Records
On 20 July 1904 train no.25 a regularly scheduled train that ran from Kaighn's Point in Camden NJ to Atlantic City NJ, with Philadelphia and Reading Railway class P-4c 4-4-2 No.334 and 5 passenger cars set a speed record. It ran the 55.5 miles in 43 minutes at an average speed of 77.4 mph. The 29.3 miles between Winslow Jct and Meadows Tower (outside of Atlantic City) were covered in 20 minutes at a speed of 87.9 mph. During the short segment between Egg Harbor and Brigantine Jct, the train was reported to have reached 115 mph.Camden, Gloucester & Mt Ephraim Railway
Incorporated on 17 June 1873, by a group from Gloucester CityGloucester City, New Jersey
Gloucester City is a city in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the city population was 11,456.-Geography:Gloucester City is located at ....
which wanted a rail line to link the busy passenger ferry landing at Kaighn’s Point in Camden
Camden, New Jersey
The city of Camden is the county seat of Camden County, New Jersey. It is located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 77,344...
to the Gloucester City
Gloucester City, New Jersey
Gloucester City is a city in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the city population was 11,456.-Geography:Gloucester City is located at ....
industrial area 3.9 miles away , then from that point another 1.3 miles to Mount Ephraim Borough
Mount Ephraim, New Jersey
-Local government:Mount Ephraim Borough has been governed under the Walsh Act by a three member commission, since 1935. Current commissioners as of 2010 are:* Mayor - Commissioner of Revenue and Finance...
.
A 3-foot gauge was required, as much of the right of way used existing city streets with sharp curves. Work began in January, 1874, The line from Kaighn’s Point to Gloucester City
Gloucester City, New Jersey
Gloucester City is a city in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the city population was 11,456.-Geography:Gloucester City is located at ....
opened on 14 February 1874. The line to Mount Ephraim Borough
Mount Ephraim, New Jersey
-Local government:Mount Ephraim Borough has been governed under the Walsh Act by a three member commission, since 1935. Current commissioners as of 2010 are:* Mayor - Commissioner of Revenue and Finance...
opened in May 1876. In the middle of November, 1884, the Philadelphia and Reading Railway acquired the Camden, Gloucester & Mt Ephraim Railway. The Philadelphia and Reading Railway reworked the track to standard gauge in 1885.
Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway
During 1875 four of the Camden and Atlantic Board of Directors left, led by Samuel Richards who was an officer of the C&A for 24 years, to build a second railroad from Camden, New JerseyCamden, New Jersey
The city of Camden is the county seat of Camden County, New Jersey. It is located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 77,344...
to Atlantic City NJ, by way of Clementon NJ.
Incorporated on 24 March 1876. A gauge of 3 foot 6 inches was selected because narrow gauge was successful at the time and saved in lower operating cost. Work began in April 1877. The track work was completed in 90 days! On Saturday, 7 July 1877 the final spike was driven and the 54.67 miles line was opened. On 12 July 1878 the P&AC RY slipped into bankruptcy. The Philadelphia and Atlantic City Railway was acquired by the CNJ
Central Railroad of New Jersey
The Central Railroad of New Jersey , commonly known as the Jersey Central Lines or CNJ, was a Class I railroad with origins in the 1830s, lasting until 1976 when it was absorbed into Conrail with the other bankrupt railroads of the Northeastern United States...
and the Philadelphia and Reading Railway for $1,000,000 on 20 September 1883. And the name was modified to Philadelphia and Atlantic City RailROAD effective 4 December 1883. The first thing done was standard gauge the line , It was completed on 5 October 1884. The Philadelphia and Reading Railway acquired full control on 4 December 1885.
Williamstown Railroad
This railroad was chartered on 13 March 1871 by the owners of one glassworks in WilliamstownWilliamstown, New Jersey
Williamstown, home of brandon ciarlante, is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Monroe Township, in Gloucester County, New Jersey...
to build a line from Atco
Atco, New Jersey
Atco is an unincorporated area in Waterford Township in Camden County, New Jersey, United States, in the Philadelphia-Camden metropolitan area, located 16 miles southeast of Camden. The town is at the western edge of Wharton State Forest and the Pine Barrens. Atco is the home of the Atco Raceway,...
to Williamstown, And later to Glassboro NJ. The 9.5 mile line was completed in 1873. The line slipped bankruptcy in November 1881. The Williamstown Railroad had graded a line to Glassboro NJ but the rail was only laid 1.7 miles to Robanna NJ. The Williamstown Railroad was acquired by the CNJ
Central Railroad of New Jersey
The Central Railroad of New Jersey , commonly known as the Jersey Central Lines or CNJ, was a Class I railroad with origins in the 1830s, lasting until 1976 when it was absorbed into Conrail with the other bankrupt railroads of the Northeastern United States...
and the Philadelphia and Reading Railway on 6 October 1883 at foreclosure sale. And the name was modified to Williamstown & Delaware River Railroad effective 7 December 1883.
Williamstown and Delaware River Railroad
In the summer of 1883, the Williamstown & Delaware River Railroad track was laid to Glassboro. Now the line was 15.73 miles long. Also in 1883 a branch 1.20 miles long was built in Glassboro NJ as the Glassboro Railroad to the Whitney Brother’s glass works. The Philadelphia and Reading Railway acquired full control on 4 December 1885. In 1887 a new extension was built to Mullica Hill NJ.Railroads acquired in 1901
The Atlantic City Railroad was reincorporated on 14 June 1901 as a merger with other railroads......Camden County Railroad
The Camden County Railroad was incorporated on 17 September 1889 with the purpose of extending the ACRR's Gloucester Branch ex Camden, Gloucester & Mt Ephraim Railway between Mount Ephraim BoroughMount Ephraim, New Jersey
-Local government:Mount Ephraim Borough has been governed under the Walsh Act by a three member commission, since 1935. Current commissioners as of 2010 are:* Mayor - Commissioner of Revenue and Finance...
and Spring Mills, home of the Bateman Manufacturing Company where two plants were in use constructing farm equipment. As of 31 December 1890, 5 miles of railroad were completed south of Mt. Ephraim. The remaining 2.19 miles were finished on 10 May 1891. Spring Mills saw its first train during the third week in March, while the first carload of farm equipment and tools did not leave Bateman Manufacturing until the beginning of April. Stations were constructed along the Camden County Railroad at Bellmawr
Bellmawr, New Jersey
-Local government:Bellmawr is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government. The government consists of a mayor and a borough council comprising six council members, with all positions elected at large. A mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office...
, Runnemede
Runnemede, New Jersey
Runnemede is a borough in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2000 United States Census, the borough population is 8,533.Runnemede was incorporated as a borough by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on March 23, 1926, from portions of the now-defunct Centre Township, based on the...
, Glendora
Glendora, New Jersey
Glendora is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Gloucester Township, in Camden County, New Jersey. As of the 2000 United States Census, the CDP population was 4,907.-Geography:Glendora is located at ....
, Chews Landing
Gloucester Township, New Jersey
Gloucester Township is a Township in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township had a total population of 64,634...
formerly South Glendora, Blenheim
Gloucester Township, New Jersey
Gloucester Township is a Township in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township had a total population of 64,634...
, Blackwood
Blackwood, New Jersey
Blackwood is a census-designated place located within Gloucester Township, in Camden County, New Jersey. As of the 2000 United States Census, the section population was 4,692...
, and Spring Mills, renamed Grenloch (in Gloucester Township, New Jersey
Gloucester Township, New Jersey
Gloucester Township is a Township in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township had a total population of 64,634...
) upon completion of the line. After construction was complete, the Camden County Railroad, which had been established with the sole purpose of constructing this extension, was leased to the Atlantic City Railroad.
Atlantic City Railroad Timetable No. 3, effective 14 April 1892, was the first to show trains operating on the Gloucester Branch between Mt. Ephraim and Grenloch.
- ACRR Gloucester Branch
- P-RSL Grenloch Branch
Cape May, Delaware Bay and Sewell's Point Railroad
Ran from Sunset Beach in Cape May around the Point to South Cape May into Cape May City, out to Sewell’s Point back around to Schellenger’s landingOcean City Railroad
Ocean City Junction to Ocean CityOcean City, New Jersey
Ocean City is a city in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. It is the principal city of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Cape May County. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was 11,701...
Seacoast Railroad
Winslow Junction to TuckahoeTuckahoe, New Jersey
Tuckahoe is an unincorporated community in Upper Township, Cape May County, New Jersey, United States.-Bridge construction:A bridge, constructed in 1920 and renovated in 1962, connects Tuckahoe to Corbin City, its neighbor to the north...
, Sea Isle City
Sea Isle City, New Jersey
Sea Isle City is a city in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. It is part of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was 2,114. Visitors raise the population to as much as 40,000 during the peak summer season from Memorial Day...
and Cape May
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May is a city at the southern tip of Cape May Peninsula in Cape May County, New Jersey, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the country's oldest vacation resort destinations. It is part of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 United States...
Stone Harbor Railroad
Acquired in April 1932, the SHRR ran from Cape May Court HouseCape May Court House, New Jersey
Cape May Court House is a census-designated place and unincorporated area located within Middle Township, in Cape May County, New Jersey. It is part of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the United States 2000 Census, the CDP population was 4,704...
to Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor, New Jersey
Stone Harbor is a borough in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. It is part of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area. It shares the barrier island Seven Mile Island with its northern neighbor Avalon...
; it was merged with the PRSL in 1936.
Wildwood and Delaware Bay Short Line Railroad
Acquired in July 1930, the W&DBSLRR ran from Wildwood Junction to WildwoodWildwood, New Jersey
Wildwood is a city in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. It is part of the Ocean City Metropolitan Statistical Area and is a popular summer resort destination. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's year-round population was 5,325...
; it was merged with the ACRR (by then PRSL) in 1934.
Pleasantville & Ocean City Railroad
June 9, 1880 Pleasantville & Ocean City Railroad incorporated in New Jersey; William Massey, Pres. (Val)Oct. 26, 1880 Pleasantville & Ocean City Railroad (3'-6" narrow gauge) opens between Pleasantville and Somers Point, N.J.; operated by Philadelphia & Atlantic City Railway; opening excursion runs from Philadelphia to Ocean City;Ocean City Association operates connecting steamboat between Somers Point and Ocean City. (Val, Lee)
May 1882 William Massey sells the Pleasantville & Ocean City Railroad to the West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad .
June 1, 1882 The West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad leases the Pleasantville & Ocean City Railroad and converted to standard gauge on June 4, 1882.
Brigantine Railroads
Aug. 7, 1889 Brigantine Beach Railroad incorporated in New Jersey to build from Pomona on the Camden and Atlantic Railroad to Brigantine Island.April 21, 1890 Pomona Beach Railroad incorporated in New Jersey to build from Camden and Atlantic Railroad to the Atlantic City Railroad at Pomona, to connect the Brigantine Beach Railroad with the ACRR.
Aug. 18, 1890 Brigantine Beach Railroad and Pomona Beach Railroad are leased to Atlantic City Railroad.
Jasn. 27, 1891 Pomona Beach Railroad consolidated with Brigantine Beach Railroad, that now runs from Brigantine Beach to Brigantine Junction 13.90 miles.
1893 Brigantine Transit Company built as an electric trolley line, The road extends along Brigantine Beach NJ a distance of six and one quarter miles.
June 27, 1895 The secretary of Brigantine Transit Company, George H. Cook buys the Brigantine Beach Railroad at foreclosure sale.
April 1, 1896 the Brigantine Beach Railroad reincorporated as Philadelphia & Brigantine Railroad; George H. Cook Pres.; The Philadelphia & Brigantine Railroad lease Brigantine Transit Company.
Sep. 30 1897 Atlantic City Railroad canceled the lease of Philadelphia & Brigantine Railroad.
Sep. 12, 1903 Storm destroys trestle leading to Brigantine Island on Philadelphia & Brigantine Railroad. (Coxey)
Oct. 9, 1903 Philadelphia & Brigantine Railroad abandons all service. (Coxey)
Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines
On 2 November 1932, the Pennsylvania RailroadPennsylvania Railroad
The Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the "Pennsy", the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
and Reading Company
Reading Company
The Reading Company , usually called the Reading Railroad, officially the Philadelphia and Reading Rail Road and then the Philadelphia and Reading Railway until 1924, operated in southeast Pennsylvania and neighboring states...
joined their southern New Jersey railroad lines into one company, The Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines
Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines
Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines was a railroad that operated in southern New Jersey in the 20th century. It was created as a joint venture of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Reading Company .- History :...
which the Pennsylvania Railroad had a 2/3 ownership, And the Reading Company had a 1/3 ownership.
On 15 July 1933, The Atlantic City Railroad leased the West Jersey & Seashore Railroad and changed its name to Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines
Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines
Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines was a railroad that operated in southern New Jersey in the 20th century. It was created as a joint venture of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Reading Company .- History :...
.
See also
- Pennsylvania RailroadPennsylvania RailroadThe Pennsylvania Railroad was an American Class I railroad, founded in 1846. Commonly referred to as the "Pennsy", the PRR was headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania....
- Reading CompanyReading CompanyThe Reading Company , usually called the Reading Railroad, officially the Philadelphia and Reading Rail Road and then the Philadelphia and Reading Railway until 1924, operated in southeast Pennsylvania and neighboring states...
- Central Railroad of New JerseyCentral Railroad of New JerseyThe Central Railroad of New Jersey , commonly known as the Jersey Central Lines or CNJ, was a Class I railroad with origins in the 1830s, lasting until 1976 when it was absorbed into Conrail with the other bankrupt railroads of the Northeastern United States...
- New Jersey Southern RailroadNew Jersey Southern Railroad- Raritan and Delaware Bay Railroad :The New Jersey Southern Railroad began life as the Raritan and Delaware Bay Railroad Company , in March 1854. The R&DB was chartered to construct a railroad from the Raritan Bay to Cape Island , near the outlet of the Delaware Bay. It was to form part of a...
- 1896 Atlantic City rail crash1896 Atlantic City rail crashThe 1896 Atlantic City rail crash occurred soon after 6:30 pm on July 30, 1896 at a crossing just west of Atlantic City, New Jersey, crushing five loaded passenger coaches, killing 50 people and seriously injuring approximately 60.-Accident:...
- 1922 Winslow Junction Train Derailment1922 Winslow Junction Train DerailmentOn July 2, 1922, Atlantic City Railroad's Camden to Atlantic City train № 33 the Owl going per hour sped through an open switch at Winslow Junction. 7 were killed, 89 were injured.-Accident:...
External links
- The Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines Historical Society
- The West Jersey Chapter of the NRHS
- http://www.springgardeninn.net/history/train_hx_brochure.pdf
- Railroad.net Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines forum
- Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines EQUIPMENT ROSTER
Book Sources/References
- 1) Trans-Anglo Books By Rail to the Boardwalk (1986) Richard M. Gladulich ISBN 0-87046-076-5
- 2) West Jersey Chapter-NRHS West Jersey Rails (1983) NRHS
- 3) West Jersey Chapter-NRHS West Jersey Rails II (1985) NRHS
- 4) West Jersey Chapter-NRHS West Jersey Rails III (2002) NRHS
- 5) Crusader Press Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines (1980) ISBN 0-937156-02-7
- 6) West Jersey Chapter-NRHS The Reading Seashore Lines (2007) Library of Congress Control Number 2005936161
- 7) West Jersey Chapter-NRHS Atlantic City Railroad (1980) Library of Congress Control Number 77-79997
- 8) West Jersey Chapter-NRHS The Philadelphia Marlton and Medford Railroad Co. 1881 - 1931 (1973)
- 9) West Jersey Chapter-NRHS The Trains to America's Playground (1988) Morning Sun Books Inc.
- 10) Pennsylvania- Reading Seashores Lines In Color (1996) ISBN 1-87887-57-2
- 11) Robert Stanton The Railroads of Camden New Jersey (2006)
- 12) Robert Stanton Trolley Days in Camden New Jersey (2004)