Interurban and Streetcar railway in Syracuse, New York
Encyclopedia
Interurban and Streetcar railway in Syracuse, New York
, flourished in the city until the automobile
, airplane and bus
took its place.
The trolley or streetcar
served travel within the city limits of Syracuse
as early as 1859. In the beginning they were either horse-drawn or fueled by steam and by the end of the 19th century they were electric driven. The city was one of the first in the United States
to adopt electricity as a transportation motive power.
Interurban
were suburban railways with rights-of-way for higher speed traffic. They linked the city with the countryside which allowed people who lived in the suburbs and farming communities to work in Syracuse
. The era was short-lived, lasting just 40 years. The first interurban
line began operation in the city in 1891 with services to Oneida
and the last line completed to Oswego
in 1911. On July 1, 1931, the last big traction interurban
car pulled out of the Electric Railway Terminal in Clinton Square
for its final trip to Rochester
, 87 miles (140 km) away. Between 1930 and 1932 the local interurban went out of business and the era of streetcar railway was over.
. In 1889, the electric trolley began to replace the horse cars, with the last horse car retired in 1900. The electric trolley became the "mainstay of local transit" in Syracuse
until the early 1940s.
The city operated its first electric car in 1889 over the lines of the Third Ward Railway Company
. In 1894, the Tracy Street power house was under construction and completed in 1895 at a cost of $200,000. Up until this time, many rails had to find their own source of electricity. The Syracuse and East Side lines had a complete power house at the east end of the village of East Syracuse
.
There were several electric trolley car services in Syracuse
that had tracks covering various sections of the city and suburbs such as the Syracuse Northern Traction. The interurban
ran longer distances between upstate New York
cities and included Syracuse, Watertown and St. Lawrence River Railroad and Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railroad.
Patronage on the interurban
and streetcar lines began to decline in the 1920s, due to more modern forms of transportation such as automobiles, buses and airplanes. Additionally, paved roads reduced the need for train tracks. After the stock market crash in the late 1920s, interurban routes were abandoned along with many unprofitable city and suburban routes.
By 2010, public transit in the Syracuse
area had been in existence for 150 years. The following list of local interurban rail, streetcar and trolley companies is in chronological order:
was chartered on April 19, 1859, and was the first street railway company in Syracuse, New York
. It began operations in 1860.
The line was discussed for many years before it was actually constructed as a link between the First Ward and Erie Canal
at Salina Street. The route was originally designated in the charter to run through Lodi Street, Lock Street and Wolf Street, but it was subsequently changed to Salina Street.
During 1890, the company merged with People's Railroad
which merged again into Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
in 1896. By 1948, the company was part of the Syracuse Transit Corporation.
was established in 1859. This was one of the most important of the first lines and operated as a steam road. The company was awarded the operation rights for the Burnet Avenue route as well as the Burnet Street Car Company.
The company owned 9 miles (14.5 km) of street railway track extending from a point on Burnet Avenue in the city of Syracuse
to the village of East Syracuse
and from a point on James Street, near Sedgwick Street, connecting with a former branch near East Syracuse
. They went into receivership in June 1894.
was the first horse-drawn street railway in the city.
Some records show People's Railroad
was founded in 1887. On November 1, 1890, this company took a perpetual lease of the Central City Railway
and the Syracuse and Onondaga Railway
and those lines then merged into the company.
The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street.
On May 21, 1896, the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
, an interurban
rail, was chartered as a consolidation of the Syracuse Street Railroad Company, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company
and the People's Railroad Company
which was formerly leased to the new company.
, a horse-drawn city railway, was chartered on April 29, 1863, in Syracuse, New York
. The line commenced in Downtown Syracuse
at Washington Street and terminated at Oakwood Cemetery
at Brighton Avenue where it connected with the Onondaga Valley Railroad. By 1890, the total length of the road was 2 miles (3.2 km).
In late 1890, the company merged with People's Railroad
and ceased to exist.
, a horse-drawn trolley in Syracuse
, was chartered on July 10, 1863. The line ran from Syracuse
to Geddes
, a suburb. The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
On the evening of April 26, 1865, after Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession through the city, the roads made special accommodations to their operating schedule and were running cars every half hour "so that all will be taken home who come in on the road."
was established in 1865. The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street. The company also secured the franchise to operate cars in Westcott Street, to South Beech Street, Euclid Avenue, College Place, University Place, Walnut Avenue and Madison Street.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
was a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York
, and was originally approved for construction by New York State in 1850; however, the rail was not chartered until 1867 and finally opened for business in 1868.
The city railway extended from Railroad Street through Clinton, Walton, West, Gifford, Geddes and returning in a loop through Delaware, Holland and Niagara to Gifford Street, a total distance of 3 miles (4.8 km) in the city's Near Westside
. By 1875, the road extended from Washington Street to South Street and Geddes Street.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
, a horse-drawn street trolley line, was chartered on May 5, 1869 in Syracuse, New York
. The road was also known as the New Brighton and Onondaga Railroad.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
was established in 1885 and eventually connected Oneida, New York
, with Syracuse, New York
. The interurban railroad used nontraditional third-rail pickup for power instead of the typical overhead catenary
.
In 1909, the system merged with the New York State Railways system, which was formed from the merger of several interurban
railways in Upstate New York
. Streetcar service on the line remained in operation until 1930 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.
, a street trolley line in Syracuse
, was established in 1886 and ran a distance of 4 miles (6.4 km) commencing in Park Avenue and terminating at Solvay Process Company
in Solvay
, a suburb. A second extension was open for business on July 4, 1889, when a branch was added from West Genesee Street to the shore of Onondaga Lake
, known as "lake shore."
Syracuse
was one of the first cities in the United States
to adopt electricity as a transportation motive power. The city operated its first electric car in 1889 over the lines of the Third Ward Railway Company
. An attempt was made to convert the old horse-drawn cars; however, this was not successful and in 1890, the company purchased complete new electric rail equipment and cars.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
, a street trolley line in Syracuse
, was established in 1886 and held the city railway franchise rights to East Fayette Street. The total length of the road was 3 miles (4.8 km). The route followed Fayette Street from Salina Street to Montgomery Street, Jefferson, Grape, Kennedy, Renwick Avenue with final destination Oakwood Cemetery
.
The road was established by the same entrepreneurs as the Eleventh Ward Railroad
which was laid on the same line on Fayette Street to Montgomery Street in 1889; forming a belt line with the Seventh Ward line. Both lines were also referred to as the Seventh and Eleventh Ward Railroad.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
, a horse-drawn street trolley line in Syracuse
, was established in 1886. The road commenced at North Salina Street at the junction of James Street and traveled to Butternut street and Manlius Street with final destination, Woodlawn Cemetery.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
, a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York
, was organized in 1887 and opened in 1888. The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street. The line commenced in James Street where it ran to Hawley Avenue, Green, Lodi and Willow. The tracks in East Water street were laid by the Genesee and Water Street Railroad
and were acquired by the road later that year.
Another branch that commenced at the intersection of Catherine and Hawley and extended to Lodi Street, Burnet Avenue and ended at the city line was a franchise of the Burnet Street Car Company in Burnet Avenue and was acquired by the company in 1888.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
, a street trolley line in Syracuse
, was established in 1889 and held the city railway franchise rights to East Fayette Street. The line followed East Fayette Street to Montgomery Street and from there through Burt, Cortland Avenue, Midland Avenue, Colvin Street, Mulberry, Elizabeth, Baker Avenue and terminating on Kennedy street.
The road was established by the same entrepreneurs as the Seventh Ward Railroad
which was laid on the same line on Fayette Street to Montgomery Street in 1886; however, from there it continued to Jefferson, Grape, Kennedy and Renwick Avenue with final destination Oakwood Cemetery
, forming a belt line with the Eleventh Ward line. Both lines were also referred to as the Seventh and Eleventh Ward Railroad. These two lines were the first in the city to adopt regular schedule ten-minute time.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
was chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse
. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway
, Fourth Ward Railroad
, Fifth Ward Railroad
, Seventh Ward Railroad
, Eleventh Ward Railroad
, Genesee and Water Street Railroad
, Woodlawn and Butternut Street Railway
, Syracuse and Geddes Railway
and New Brighton and Onondaga Valley Railroad
. The rail ran a total distance of 24 miles (38.6 km) and had branches every 3 miles (4.8 km).
At the time of the consolidation, the rail included all the roads in Syracuse
except the Central City Railway
, the Syracuse and Onondaga Railway
and the People's Railroad
.
The company filed for bankruptcy in 1893 and merged with the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway Company
in May 1896.
were asked to accept a wage reduction of 25 percent. Employees on all four lines entering the city rejected the proposal. This included the Empire State Railway
, New York State Railways, Syracuse Northern Electric Railway
, Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad
and Rochester and Eastern Railroad.
By 1978, rights-of-way of the major interurban
lines "that stretched west, north and east" were still visible in many sections of Onondaga County
. The remains of "once-sturdy" bridges that carried the high-speed trolleys across creeks and other rails still remain in many areas.
One of the few remaining "eight-sided" waiting stations "that protected passengers at stops between main stations" was situated on a golf course near Baldwinsville
. Another was located on East Seneca Turnpike near Marcellus
as late as 1971.
The Syracuse and Oneida Railroad, an interurban
rail, was incorporated on October 11, 1891, with a capital of $125,000. The company built a road 12 miles (19.3 km) in length from Messina Springs
connecting with the Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad Company's
road and ran northerly by the "most direct and feasible route" through the towns of DeWitt and Cicero
, at a point near the south shore of Oneida Lake
.
The Syracuse and East Side Street Railway
, an interurban
rail, was chartered on August 25, 1894, and was a successor to the Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad Company
. It is sometimes called the Syracuse and East Side Railroad
.
The company went bankrupt and was placed in receivership on May 11, 1898, and on December 29, 1898, the property was purchased by the bondholders. The East Side Traction Company was chartered on January 14, 1899, after a reorganization of the company.
The Syracuse and Suburban Railroad
, an interurban
rail, was chartered on June 29, 1895. The main line of this electric road, also known as Syracuse and Suburban Electric Railroad and the Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, ran 15 miles (24.1 km), extending from Syracuse
, over the Genesee Street track to Fayetteville
and Manlius
where it ended at Edwards Falls, a local tourist attraction. The railroad also operated a line that ran from Orville, now known as DeWitt to Jamesville
for a total distance of 18.08 miles (29.1 km).
On January 1, 1921, the rail, with lines between Syracuse
and Fayetteville
and Manlius
, suspended operation at 1:00 A.M. due to lack of operating revenue. C. Loomis Allen, general manager, declared that unless there were changed conditions, the road would not resume and that readjustment of fares and wages of employees must be affected. That same day, a motor bus service was started pending formal grant of franchises for motor lines between the two villages and the city of Syracuse
. The Chenango branch of the New York Central Railroad
also stepped in to accommodate many passengers who had relied on the electric service.
The Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
, an interurban rail, began operations in May 1896. The company was a consolidation of the Syracuse Street Railroad Company, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company
and the People's Railroad Company
that was called the Syracuse Railway Company.
The company controlled the city street railway system of Syracuse
and had extensions to Solvay
, Onondaga Valley
, Rockwell Springs, East Syracuse
and Liverpool
.
In 1912, the rail merged with the New York State Railways, affiliated with New York Central Railroad
.
The Syracuse, Lakeside and Baldwinsville Railway began operations in 1898 and provided service along the shore of Onondaga Lake
. Due to dependence on summer traffic, the company did not prosper during the remainder of the year.
It was reorganized as the Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
in 1905. Soon after, part of the track was "relocated from the highway to private right-of-way" and the line was extended north toward Oswego
on Lake Ontario
.
The Syracuse and South Bay Railway
, also known as the Syracuse and South Bay Electric Railroad, incorporated on May 10, 1900, was an interurban
rail that ran from Syracuse, New York
, through Cicero
to Lower South Bay
on the south shore of Oneida Lake
, a distance of 12 miles (19.3 km).
The line began in the city at the intersection of Wolf Street and Seventh North Street connecting at that point with the tracks of the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
, running from there easterly along Seventh North Street about 200 feet (61 m) and running northeast by a right angle turn by private right of way across the tracks of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad by an under crossing. From there, the rail headed northeasterly to the plank road to the town of Salina
and Clay
to the west line of Cicero
thence by private right of way to Norcross Point on the east side of South Bay
on Oneida Lake
.
The name was changed to Syracuse Northern Electric Railway Company
by 1917.
The Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad
was formed in 1901 and by November 1905, the company had cars to Split Rock
, Marcellus
, Skaneateles
and Auburn
.
The rail was part of the Beebe Syndicate, a group of 12 high-speed, interurban, electric train lines which ran from Buffalo, New York
, through Rochester
and Syracuse
, then north to Oswego
on Lake Ontario
.
By August 1911, the rail was providing vacation excursions to Upstate New York
locations such as Skaneateles Lake
which they advertised as "A Perfect Ride in Perfect Safety Searchlight Excursion." The trip was scheduled three times a week and included a 38 miles (61.2 km) "scenic" trolley ride and a 30 miles (48.3 km) "searchlight sail" and one hour of dancing at Ten Mile Point, New York
.
On weekends, the railroad ventured to Fair Haven
instead of Skaneateles Lake
. The roundtrip price was 75 cents, no matter the location or day and the main ticket office was located at 340 West Fayette Street.
The company went bankrupt in 1927 and streetcar service in Auburn
ended at that time, however, interurban
service continued and the business was sold in 1930. Rail service was abandoned on April 15, 1930.
The Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
served the Oswego, New York
, area and began operations in 1905 when it was formed from the Lake Ontario and Riverside Railway, which dated back to 1896 and was a system originally built by the Oswego Street Railway. The line also merged with the Syracuse, Lakeside and Baldwinsville Railway that same year and the line was extended to Oswego
. The rail was part of the Beebe Syndicate, a group of 12 high-speed, interurban, electric train lines which ran from Buffalo, New York
, through Rochester
and Syracuse
, then north to Oswego
on Lake Ontario
.
By 1911, the company had 13 fast electric limited trains leaving Syracuse
daily for Baldwinsville
, Phoenix
, Fulton
, Minetto
and Oswego
.
Financial issues in 1913 forced the company to merge with two other rails; the Auburn and Northern Electric Railroad and the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad
forming the Empire United Railways
. The rail was in use until 1916 when it became known as the Empire State Railroad Corporation
. Streetcar service on the route ran until 1931 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.
The Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad
, also known as the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, an interurban rail, began operations in 1906 and linked Rochester, New York
, with the nearby towns of Newark
, Fairport
and Palmyra
. At its peak the railroad was 87 miles (140 km) in length and employed third-rail for power instead of the more traditional overhead catenary
.
The rail was part of the Beebe Syndicate, a group of 12 high-speed, interurban
, electric train lines which ran from Buffalo, New York
, through Rochester
and Syracuse
, then north to Oswego
on Lake Ontario
.
Financial issues in 1913 forced the company to merge with two other rails; the Auburn and Northern Electric Railroad and the Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
forming the Empire United Railways
. The new company was not successful and was split up in 1916 and the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad (RS&E)
became the Rochester and Syracuse Railroad
which remained in operation until 1931 when it was abandoned.
The Rochester and Syracuse Railway, Inc.
, of Syracuse, New York
, was incorporated as the successor to the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, the property which they sold under foreclosure on August 28, 1917.
The rail was part of the Beebe Syndicate, a group of 12 high-speed, interurban, electric train lines which ran from Buffalo, New York
, through Rochester
and Syracuse
, then north to Oswego
on Lake Ontario
.
The company acquired control of the Empire State Railroad
in 1922. In 1930, the company leased the Port-Byron-Auburn line after the abandonment of the direct interurban
between Syracuse
and Auburn
, however this was short lived as the entire R&S
line was abandoned on June 27, 1931.
New York State Railways, formed in 1909, was a grouping of several large city streetcar and electric interurban
systems in upstate New York
. It included the city transit systems in Rochester
, Syracuse
, Utica
, Oneida
and Rome
, plus various interurban
lines connecting those cities.
The company was formed when the New York Central Railroad
(NYC) consolidated its previously purchased (in 1905) with several interurban companies in Rochester
. In 1912 it added the Rochester and Surburban Railway, the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
, the Oneida Railway
and the Utica and Mohawk Valley Railway In effect, the big steam railroad system (NYC) was able to monopolize local and intercity passenger business along its Mohawk Valley
mainline. The company discontinued streetcar service in 1941.
The Empire United Railways
was established in 1912 after the Auburn and Northern Railroad and the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad
consolidated. In 1913, Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
was merged into the company.
The rail was part of the Beebe Syndicate, a group of 12 high-speed, interurban
, electric train lines which ran from Buffalo, New York
, through Rochester
and Syracuse
, then north to Oswego
on Lake Ontario
. The line had an "electric parlor car" named Syracuse in 1912 that made runs between Syracuse
and Rochester
.
The company was consolidated into the Empire State Railway
in 1917.
The Empire State Railroad Corporation
was formed on October 30, 1916, to take over part of the property of the Empire United Railways, Inc.
.
The new company took over the property from the receiver on October 31, 1916. The firm owned the interurban
electric railway known as the Empire State Railway
that ran between Syracuse
and Oswego
, including the local electric railway system in Oswego
and the Syracuse
terminal. The Rochester and Syracuse Railroad
used the Syracuse
terminal under a rental agreement.
The Empire State Railroad Corporation
also owned the interurban
electric railway extending from Auburn
to a connection with the Rochester and Syracuse Railroad
at Port Byron, New York
, 26 miles (41.8 km)west of Syracuse
. They also owned part of the local electric railway system in Auburn
which was operated by the Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad
. The total track owned by the Empire State Railroad Corporation
was 83 miles (133.6 km), of which 70 miles (112.7 km) was interurban and 13 miles (20.9 km) miles city track. Power was supplied by the Niagara, Lockport and Ontario Power Company from Niagara Falls
, Salmon River
and Oswego River
hydro-electric developments.
The Syracuse Northern Electric Railway
, also known as Syracuse and Northern Electric Railway, came out of the Syracuse and South Bay Railway Company
The road was in business by 1917 when the directors authorized the sale of four miles of track from Watertown Junction to South Bay, New York
. The double-track lines were torn up and replaced with a single-track line. The section of rail was sold for $30,000.
OnTrack
was a regional rail
line that operated in Syracuse, New York
, from 1994 to 2007. During its operation, Syracuse
was the smallest city in the United States
to have regional train service. The line ran from Colvin Street on the city's south side via Syracuse University
and Armory Square
to the Carousel Center
, using four Budd Rail Diesel Car
s (RDC-1) built in the 1950s. It was operated by the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway
.
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, flourished in the city until the automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
, airplane and bus
Bus
A bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
took its place.
The trolley or streetcar
Tram
A tram is a passenger rail vehicle which runs on tracks along public urban streets and also sometimes on separate rights of way. It may also run between cities and/or towns , and/or partially grade separated even in the cities...
served travel within the city limits of Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
as early as 1859. In the beginning they were either horse-drawn or fueled by steam and by the end of the 19th century they were electric driven. The city was one of the first in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to adopt electricity as a transportation motive power.
Interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
were suburban railways with rights-of-way for higher speed traffic. They linked the city with the countryside which allowed people who lived in the suburbs and farming communities to work in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. The era was short-lived, lasting just 40 years. The first interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
line began operation in the city in 1891 with services to Oneida
Oneida, New York
Oneida is a city in Madison County located west of Oneida Castle and east of Canastota, New York, United States. The population was 10,987 at the 2000 census. The city, like both Oneida County and the nearby silver and china maker, takes its name from the Oneida tribe...
and the last line completed to Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
in 1911. On July 1, 1931, the last big traction interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
car pulled out of the Electric Railway Terminal in Clinton Square
Clinton Square
Clinton Square, in downtown Syracuse, New York, was the original town center and first came into existence in the early 19th century where roadways from north and south convened...
for its final trip to Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
, 87 miles (140 km) away. Between 1930 and 1932 the local interurban went out of business and the era of streetcar railway was over.
History
The city obtained its first horse-drawn street railway in 1860 called People's RailroadPeople's Railroad
The People's Railroad was a street railway chartered in 1887 and opened for business in 1889 in Syracuse, New York. The total length of the line was with branches each . In 1896, the company merged into Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway.-History:...
. In 1889, the electric trolley began to replace the horse cars, with the last horse car retired in 1900. The electric trolley became the "mainstay of local transit" in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
until the early 1940s.
The city operated its first electric car in 1889 over the lines of the Third Ward Railway Company
Third Ward Railway
The Third Ward Railway, an electric street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1886 and ran a distance of commencing in Park Avenue and terminating at Solvay Process Company in Solvay, a suburb...
. In 1894, the Tracy Street power house was under construction and completed in 1895 at a cost of $200,000. Up until this time, many rails had to find their own source of electricity. The Syracuse and East Side lines had a complete power house at the east end of the village of East Syracuse
East Syracuse, New York
East Syracuse is an incorporated village and a suburb of the City of Syracuse in eastern Onondaga County, New York. United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the village had a population of 3,178....
.
There were several electric trolley car services in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
that had tracks covering various sections of the city and suburbs such as the Syracuse Northern Traction. The interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
ran longer distances between upstate New York
Upstate New York
Upstate New York is the region of the U.S. state of New York that is located north of the core of the New York metropolitan area.-Definition:There is no clear or official boundary between Upstate New York and Downstate New York...
cities and included Syracuse, Watertown and St. Lawrence River Railroad and Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railroad.
Patronage on the interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
and streetcar lines began to decline in the 1920s, due to more modern forms of transportation such as automobiles, buses and airplanes. Additionally, paved roads reduced the need for train tracks. After the stock market crash in the late 1920s, interurban routes were abandoned along with many unprofitable city and suburban routes.
By 2010, public transit in the Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
area had been in existence for 150 years. The following list of local interurban rail, streetcar and trolley companies is in chronological order:
Central City railway
The Central City RailwayCentral City Railway
The Central City Railway was chartered on April 19, 1859, and was the first street railway company in Syracuse, New York. It began operations in 1860 as a horse-drawn rail. The road was discussed for many years before it was actually constructed as a link between the First Ward and Erie Canal at...
was chartered on April 19, 1859, and was the first street railway company in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. It began operations in 1860.
The line was discussed for many years before it was actually constructed as a link between the First Ward and Erie Canal
Erie Canal
The Erie Canal is a waterway in New York that runs about from Albany, New York, on the Hudson River to Buffalo, New York, at Lake Erie, completing a navigable water route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes. The canal contains 36 locks and encompasses a total elevation differential of...
at Salina Street. The route was originally designated in the charter to run through Lodi Street, Lock Street and Wolf Street, but it was subsequently changed to Salina Street.
During 1890, the company merged with People's Railroad
People's Railroad
The People's Railroad was a street railway chartered in 1887 and opened for business in 1889 in Syracuse, New York. The total length of the line was with branches each . In 1896, the company merged into Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway.-History:...
which merged again into Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
The Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway, an interurban rail, was chartered on May 21, 1896. The company was a consolidation of the Syracuse Street Railroad Company, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company and the People's Railroad Company which was formerly leased to the Syracuse Street...
in 1896. By 1948, the company was part of the Syracuse Transit Corporation.
Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt railroad
The Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt RailroadSyracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad
The Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad, an interurban rail in Syracuse, New York was established in 1859. This was one of the most important of the first lines and operated as a steam road...
was established in 1859. This was one of the most important of the first lines and operated as a steam road. The company was awarded the operation rights for the Burnet Avenue route as well as the Burnet Street Car Company.
The company owned 9 miles (14.5 km) of street railway track extending from a point on Burnet Avenue in the city of Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
to the village of East Syracuse
East Syracuse, New York
East Syracuse is an incorporated village and a suburb of the City of Syracuse in eastern Onondaga County, New York. United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the village had a population of 3,178....
and from a point on James Street, near Sedgwick Street, connecting with a former branch near East Syracuse
East Syracuse, New York
East Syracuse is an incorporated village and a suburb of the City of Syracuse in eastern Onondaga County, New York. United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the village had a population of 3,178....
. They went into receivership in June 1894.
People's railroad
In 1860, People's RailroadPeople's Railroad
The People's Railroad was a street railway chartered in 1887 and opened for business in 1889 in Syracuse, New York. The total length of the line was with branches each . In 1896, the company merged into Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway.-History:...
was the first horse-drawn street railway in the city.
Some records show People's Railroad
People's Railroad
The People's Railroad was a street railway chartered in 1887 and opened for business in 1889 in Syracuse, New York. The total length of the line was with branches each . In 1896, the company merged into Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway.-History:...
was founded in 1887. On November 1, 1890, this company took a perpetual lease of the Central City Railway
Central City Railway
The Central City Railway was chartered on April 19, 1859, and was the first street railway company in Syracuse, New York. It began operations in 1860 as a horse-drawn rail. The road was discussed for many years before it was actually constructed as a link between the First Ward and Erie Canal at...
and the Syracuse and Onondaga Railway
Syracuse and Onondaga Railway
The Syracuse and Onondaga Railway, a horse-drawn city railway, was chartered on April 29, 1863, in Syracuse, New York. The line commenced in Downtown Syracuse at Washington Street and terminated at Oakwood Cemetery at Brighton Avenue where it connected with the Onondaga Valley Railroad...
and those lines then merged into the company.
The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street.
On May 21, 1896, the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
The Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway, an interurban rail, was chartered on May 21, 1896. The company was a consolidation of the Syracuse Street Railroad Company, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company and the People's Railroad Company which was formerly leased to the Syracuse Street...
, an interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
rail, was chartered as a consolidation of the Syracuse Street Railroad Company, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
and the People's Railroad Company
People's Railroad
The People's Railroad was a street railway chartered in 1887 and opened for business in 1889 in Syracuse, New York. The total length of the line was with branches each . In 1896, the company merged into Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway.-History:...
which was formerly leased to the new company.
Syracuse and Onondaga railway
The Syracuse and Onondaga RailwaySyracuse and Onondaga Railway
The Syracuse and Onondaga Railway, a horse-drawn city railway, was chartered on April 29, 1863, in Syracuse, New York. The line commenced in Downtown Syracuse at Washington Street and terminated at Oakwood Cemetery at Brighton Avenue where it connected with the Onondaga Valley Railroad...
, a horse-drawn city railway, was chartered on April 29, 1863, in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. The line commenced in Downtown Syracuse
Downtown Syracuse
Downtown Syracuse is the economic center of Syracuse, New York, and Central New York, employing over 30,000 people, and housing over 2,000. It is also one of the 26 officially recognized neighborhoods of Syracuse.- History :...
at Washington Street and terminated at Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery may refer to:*Historic Oakwood Cemetery, a cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina*Oakwood Cemetery , burial site of Henry C...
at Brighton Avenue where it connected with the Onondaga Valley Railroad. By 1890, the total length of the road was 2 miles (3.2 km).
In late 1890, the company merged with People's Railroad
People's Railroad
The People's Railroad was a street railway chartered in 1887 and opened for business in 1889 in Syracuse, New York. The total length of the line was with branches each . In 1896, the company merged into Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway.-History:...
and ceased to exist.
Syracuse and Geddes railway
The Syracuse and Geddes RailwaySyracuse and Geddes Railway
The Syracuse and Geddes Railway, a horse-drawn street trolley in Syracuse, New York, was chartered on July 10, 1863. The line ran from Syracuse to Geddes, a suburb...
, a horse-drawn trolley in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, was chartered on July 10, 1863. The line ran from Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
to Geddes
Geddes, New York
Geddes is a town in Onondaga County, New York, United States. The population was 17,740 at the 2000 census.The Town of Geddes is west of the neighborhood of Far Westside of Syracuse. The town is a western suburb of Syracuse.- History :...
, a suburb. The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
Oakwood Street railway
The Oakwood Street Railway was opened in 1863 and was a horse drawn line.On the evening of April 26, 1865, after Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession through the city, the roads made special accommodations to their operating schedule and were running cars every half hour "so that all will be taken home who come in on the road."
Genesee and Water Street railroad
The Genesee and Water Street RailroadGenesee and Water Street Railroad
The Genesee and Water Street Railroad, a horse-drawn street trolley in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1865. The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street...
was established in 1865. The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street. The company also secured the franchise to operate cars in Westcott Street, to South Beech Street, Euclid Avenue, College Place, University Place, Walnut Avenue and Madison Street.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
Fifth Ward railroad
The Fifth Ward RailroadFifth Ward Railroad
The Fifth Ward Railroad was a horse-drawn street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, and was originally approved for construction by New York State in 1850; however, the rail was not chartered until 1867 and finally opened for business in 1868...
was a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, and was originally approved for construction by New York State in 1850; however, the rail was not chartered until 1867 and finally opened for business in 1868.
The city railway extended from Railroad Street through Clinton, Walton, West, Gifford, Geddes and returning in a loop through Delaware, Holland and Niagara to Gifford Street, a total distance of 3 miles (4.8 km) in the city's Near Westside
Near Westside, Syracuse
The Near Westside is one of the oldest Syracuse neighborhoods. In the early 1900s there were many wealthy families, including the Mayor of Syracuse, living along West Onondaga Street in many very large homes. A beautiful fountain with many statues was located at Onondaga Circle, the junction of...
. By 1875, the road extended from Washington Street to South Street and Geddes Street.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
New Brighton and Onondaga Valley railroad
The New Brighton and Onondaga Valley RailroadNew Brighton and Onondaga Valley Railroad
The New Brighton and Onondaga Valley Railroad, a horse-drawn street trolley line, was chartered on May 5, 1869, in Syracuse, New York. The road was also known as the New Brighton and Onondaga Railroad....
, a horse-drawn street trolley line, was chartered on May 5, 1869 in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. The road was also known as the New Brighton and Onondaga Railroad.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
Oneida Railway
The Oneida RailwayOneida Railway
The Oneida Railway, an interurban rail, was established in 1907 when the New York Central Railroad electrified of the West Shore Railroad between Syracuse, New York and Utica, New York....
was established in 1885 and eventually connected Oneida, New York
Oneida, New York
Oneida is a city in Madison County located west of Oneida Castle and east of Canastota, New York, United States. The population was 10,987 at the 2000 census. The city, like both Oneida County and the nearby silver and china maker, takes its name from the Oneida tribe...
, with Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. The interurban railroad used nontraditional third-rail pickup for power instead of the typical overhead catenary
Overhead lines
Overhead lines or overhead wires are used to transmit electrical energy to trams, trolleybuses or trains at a distance from the energy supply point...
.
In 1909, the system merged with the New York State Railways system, which was formed from the merger of several interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
railways in Upstate New York
Upstate New York
Upstate New York is the region of the U.S. state of New York that is located north of the core of the New York metropolitan area.-Definition:There is no clear or official boundary between Upstate New York and Downstate New York...
. Streetcar service on the line remained in operation until 1930 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.
Third Ward railway
The Third Ward RailwayThird Ward Railway
The Third Ward Railway, an electric street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1886 and ran a distance of commencing in Park Avenue and terminating at Solvay Process Company in Solvay, a suburb...
, a street trolley line in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, was established in 1886 and ran a distance of 4 miles (6.4 km) commencing in Park Avenue and terminating at Solvay Process Company
Solvay Process Company
The Solvay Process Company was a pioneer chemical industry of the United States in the manufacture of soda ash and a major employer in Central New York...
in Solvay
Solvay, New York
Solvay is a village located in Onondaga County, New York, and a suburb of the city of Syracuse. According to the 2000 census, the village had a total population of 6,845...
, a suburb. A second extension was open for business on July 4, 1889, when a branch was added from West Genesee Street to the shore of Onondaga Lake
Onondaga Lake
Onondaga Lake is a lake in Central New York located northwest of Syracuse, New York. The southeastern end of the lake and the southwestern shore abut industrial areas and expressways; the northeastern shore and northwestern end border a series of parks and museums. Although it is near the Finger...
, known as "lake shore."
Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
was one of the first cities in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to adopt electricity as a transportation motive power. The city operated its first electric car in 1889 over the lines of the Third Ward Railway Company
Third Ward Railway
The Third Ward Railway, an electric street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1886 and ran a distance of commencing in Park Avenue and terminating at Solvay Process Company in Solvay, a suburb...
. An attempt was made to convert the old horse-drawn cars; however, this was not successful and in 1890, the company purchased complete new electric rail equipment and cars.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
Seventh Ward railroad
The Seventh Ward RailroadSeventh Ward Railroad
The Seventh Ward Railroad, a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1886 and held the city railway franchise rights to East Fayette Street. The total length of the road was...
, a street trolley line in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, was established in 1886 and held the city railway franchise rights to East Fayette Street. The total length of the road was 3 miles (4.8 km). The route followed Fayette Street from Salina Street to Montgomery Street, Jefferson, Grape, Kennedy, Renwick Avenue with final destination Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery may refer to:*Historic Oakwood Cemetery, a cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina*Oakwood Cemetery , burial site of Henry C...
.
The road was established by the same entrepreneurs as the Eleventh Ward Railroad
Eleventh Ward Railroad
The Eleventh Ward Railroad, a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1889 and held the city railway franchise rights to East Fayette Street...
which was laid on the same line on Fayette Street to Montgomery Street in 1889; forming a belt line with the Seventh Ward line. Both lines were also referred to as the Seventh and Eleventh Ward Railroad.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
Woodlawn and Butternut Street railway
The Woodlawn and Butternut Street RailwayWoodlawn and Butternut Street Railway
The Woodlawn and Butternut Street Railway, a horse-drawn street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1886. The road commenced at North Salina Street at the junction of James Street and traveled to Butternut street and Manlius Street with final destination, Woodlawn Cemetery.The...
, a horse-drawn street trolley line in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, was established in 1886. The road commenced at North Salina Street at the junction of James Street and traveled to Butternut street and Manlius Street with final destination, Woodlawn Cemetery.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
Fourth Ward railroad
The Fourth Ward RailroadFourth Ward Railroad
The Fourth Ward Railroad, a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was organized in 1887 and opened in 1888. The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street....
, a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, was organized in 1887 and opened in 1888. The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street. The line commenced in James Street where it ran to Hawley Avenue, Green, Lodi and Willow. The tracks in East Water street were laid by the Genesee and Water Street Railroad
Genesee and Water Street Railroad
The Genesee and Water Street Railroad, a horse-drawn street trolley in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1865. The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street...
and were acquired by the road later that year.
Another branch that commenced at the intersection of Catherine and Hawley and extended to Lodi Street, Burnet Avenue and ended at the city line was a franchise of the Burnet Street Car Company in Burnet Avenue and was acquired by the company in 1888.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
Eleventh Ward railroad
The Eleventh Ward RailroadEleventh Ward Railroad
The Eleventh Ward Railroad, a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1889 and held the city railway franchise rights to East Fayette Street...
, a street trolley line in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, was established in 1889 and held the city railway franchise rights to East Fayette Street. The line followed East Fayette Street to Montgomery Street and from there through Burt, Cortland Avenue, Midland Avenue, Colvin Street, Mulberry, Elizabeth, Baker Avenue and terminating on Kennedy street.
The road was established by the same entrepreneurs as the Seventh Ward Railroad
Seventh Ward Railroad
The Seventh Ward Railroad, a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1886 and held the city railway franchise rights to East Fayette Street. The total length of the road was...
which was laid on the same line on Fayette Street to Montgomery Street in 1886; however, from there it continued to Jefferson, Grape, Kennedy and Renwick Avenue with final destination Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery may refer to:*Historic Oakwood Cemetery, a cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina*Oakwood Cemetery , burial site of Henry C...
, forming a belt line with the Eleventh Ward line. Both lines were also referred to as the Seventh and Eleventh Ward Railroad. These two lines were the first in the city to adopt regular schedule ten-minute time.
The company merged with Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
in 1890, after an agreement was made that allowed the new company to lease the lines.
Syracuse Consolidated Street railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street RailwaySyracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
was chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway
Third Ward Railway
The Third Ward Railway, an electric street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1886 and ran a distance of commencing in Park Avenue and terminating at Solvay Process Company in Solvay, a suburb...
, Fourth Ward Railroad
Fourth Ward Railroad
The Fourth Ward Railroad, a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was organized in 1887 and opened in 1888. The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street....
, Fifth Ward Railroad
Fifth Ward Railroad
The Fifth Ward Railroad was a horse-drawn street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, and was originally approved for construction by New York State in 1850; however, the rail was not chartered until 1867 and finally opened for business in 1868...
, Seventh Ward Railroad
Seventh Ward Railroad
The Seventh Ward Railroad, a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1886 and held the city railway franchise rights to East Fayette Street. The total length of the road was...
, Eleventh Ward Railroad
Eleventh Ward Railroad
The Eleventh Ward Railroad, a street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1889 and held the city railway franchise rights to East Fayette Street...
, Genesee and Water Street Railroad
Genesee and Water Street Railroad
The Genesee and Water Street Railroad, a horse-drawn street trolley in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1865. The company was one of three different railways that were awarded operation franchise rights to run cars in James Street...
, Woodlawn and Butternut Street Railway
Woodlawn and Butternut Street Railway
The Woodlawn and Butternut Street Railway, a horse-drawn street trolley line in Syracuse, New York, was established in 1886. The road commenced at North Salina Street at the junction of James Street and traveled to Butternut street and Manlius Street with final destination, Woodlawn Cemetery.The...
, Syracuse and Geddes Railway
Syracuse and Geddes Railway
The Syracuse and Geddes Railway, a horse-drawn street trolley in Syracuse, New York, was chartered on July 10, 1863. The line ran from Syracuse to Geddes, a suburb...
and New Brighton and Onondaga Valley Railroad
New Brighton and Onondaga Valley Railroad
The New Brighton and Onondaga Valley Railroad, a horse-drawn street trolley line, was chartered on May 5, 1869, in Syracuse, New York. The road was also known as the New Brighton and Onondaga Railroad....
. The rail ran a total distance of 24 miles (38.6 km) and had branches every 3 miles (4.8 km).
At the time of the consolidation, the rail included all the roads in Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
except the Central City Railway
Central City Railway
The Central City Railway was chartered on April 19, 1859, and was the first street railway company in Syracuse, New York. It began operations in 1860 as a horse-drawn rail. The road was discussed for many years before it was actually constructed as a link between the First Ward and Erie Canal at...
, the Syracuse and Onondaga Railway
Syracuse and Onondaga Railway
The Syracuse and Onondaga Railway, a horse-drawn city railway, was chartered on April 29, 1863, in Syracuse, New York. The line commenced in Downtown Syracuse at Washington Street and terminated at Oakwood Cemetery at Brighton Avenue where it connected with the Onondaga Valley Railroad...
and the People's Railroad
People's Railroad
The People's Railroad was a street railway chartered in 1887 and opened for business in 1889 in Syracuse, New York. The total length of the line was with branches each . In 1896, the company merged into Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway.-History:...
.
The company filed for bankruptcy in 1893 and merged with the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway Company
Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
The Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway, an interurban rail, was chartered on May 21, 1896. The company was a consolidation of the Syracuse Street Railroad Company, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company and the People's Railroad Company which was formerly leased to the Syracuse Street...
in May 1896.
Interurban railway
In April 1921, union trolley workers numbering more than 6,000 on all lines entering SyracuseSyracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
were asked to accept a wage reduction of 25 percent. Employees on all four lines entering the city rejected the proposal. This included the Empire State Railway
Empire State Railway
The Empire State Railway, established in 1916, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York, to Oswego, New York, a distance of . Streetcar service on the route ran until 1931 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.-History:...
, New York State Railways, Syracuse Northern Electric Railway
Syracuse Northern Electric Railway
The Syracuse Northern Electric Railway, also known as the Syracuse and Northern Electric Railway, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York to Oswego, New York, a distance of...
, Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad
Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad
The Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad was an interurban rail that ran from Auburn, New York to Syracuse, New York, a distance of . The railroad owned a total of of track which "was as fine as any in the state."...
and Rochester and Eastern Railroad.
By 1978, rights-of-way of the major interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
lines "that stretched west, north and east" were still visible in many sections of Onondaga County
Onondaga County, New York
Onondaga County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 467,026. The county seat is Syracuse.Onondaga County is part of the Syracuse, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area....
. The remains of "once-sturdy" bridges that carried the high-speed trolleys across creeks and other rails still remain in many areas.
One of the few remaining "eight-sided" waiting stations "that protected passengers at stops between main stations" was situated on a golf course near Baldwinsville
Baldwinsville, New York
Baldwinsville is a village in Onondaga County, New York, United States. The population was 7,053 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Syracuse Metropolitan Statistical Area....
. Another was located on East Seneca Turnpike near Marcellus
Marcellus, New York
Marcellus, New York may refer to:*Marcellus , New York in Onondaga County*Marcellus , New York, located within the Town of Marcellus...
as late as 1971.
Syracuse and Oneida railroad
The Syracuse and Oneida Railroad, an interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
rail, was incorporated on October 11, 1891, with a capital of $125,000. The company built a road 12 miles (19.3 km) in length from Messina Springs
Messina Springs, New York
Messina Springs was a small community, northwest of Messina , which was settled in the early 19th century around several mineral springs east of Syracuse, New York, at the intersection of James Street and Thompson Road. James Street was then a main east-west road from Syracuse to Messina and...
connecting with the Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad Company's
Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad
The Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad, an interurban rail in Syracuse, New York was established in 1859. This was one of the most important of the first lines and operated as a steam road...
road and ran northerly by the "most direct and feasible route" through the towns of DeWitt and Cicero
Cicero, New York
Cicero is a town in Onondaga County, New York, USA. The population was 27,982 at the 2000 census. The name of the town was assigned by a clerk interested in the classics, honoring Cicero, a Roman statesman....
, at a point near the south shore of Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake is the largest lake entirely within New York State . The lake is located northeast of Syracuse and near the Great Lakes. It serves as one of the links in the Erie Canal. It empties into the Oneida River which flows into the Oswego River which in turn flows into Lake Ontario...
.
Syracuse and East Side Street railway
The Syracuse and East Side Street Railway
Syracuse and East Side Street Railway
The Syracuse and East Side Street Railway, an interurban rail in Syracuse, New York, was chartered on August 25, 1894, and was a successor to the Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad Company...
, an interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
rail, was chartered on August 25, 1894, and was a successor to the Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad Company
Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad
The Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad, an interurban rail in Syracuse, New York was established in 1859. This was one of the most important of the first lines and operated as a steam road...
. It is sometimes called the Syracuse and East Side Railroad
Syracuse and East Side Street Railway
The Syracuse and East Side Street Railway, an interurban rail in Syracuse, New York, was chartered on August 25, 1894, and was a successor to the Syracuse, Eastwood Heights and DeWitt Railroad Company...
.
The company went bankrupt and was placed in receivership on May 11, 1898, and on December 29, 1898, the property was purchased by the bondholders. The East Side Traction Company was chartered on January 14, 1899, after a reorganization of the company.
Syracuse and Suburban railroad
The Syracuse and Suburban Railroad
Syracuse and Suburban Railroad
The Syracuse and Suburban Railroad, an interurban rail in Syracuse, New York, was chartered on June 29, 1895. The main line of this electric road, also known as the Syracuse and Suburban Electric Railroad and the Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, ran , over the beds of city streets, extending from...
, an interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
rail, was chartered on June 29, 1895. The main line of this electric road, also known as Syracuse and Suburban Electric Railroad and the Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, ran 15 miles (24.1 km), extending from Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, over the Genesee Street track to Fayetteville
Fayetteville, New York
Fayetteville is a village located in Onondaga County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the village had a population of 4,190. The village is named after Lafayette, a national hero of both France and the United States...
and Manlius
Manlius (village), New York
Manlius is a village in Onondaga County, New York, USA. The population was 4,819 at the 2000 census. The village takes its name from its town.The Village of Manlius is near the south town line of the Town of Manlius and is southeast of the City of Syracuse of which it is a suburb.An area of about...
where it ended at Edwards Falls, a local tourist attraction. The railroad also operated a line that ran from Orville, now known as DeWitt to Jamesville
Jamesville, New York
Jamesville is a hamlet in De Witt, Onondaga County, New York, United States, part of the greater Syracuse area.The history of the community is documented in the book Water, Wheels and Stone: Heritage of the Little Village by the Creek, Jamesville, New York, written by Jean Schutz Keough, and...
for a total distance of 18.08 miles (29.1 km).
On January 1, 1921, the rail, with lines between Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
and Fayetteville
Fayetteville, New York
Fayetteville is a village located in Onondaga County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the village had a population of 4,190. The village is named after Lafayette, a national hero of both France and the United States...
and Manlius
Manlius (village), New York
Manlius is a village in Onondaga County, New York, USA. The population was 4,819 at the 2000 census. The village takes its name from its town.The Village of Manlius is near the south town line of the Town of Manlius and is southeast of the City of Syracuse of which it is a suburb.An area of about...
, suspended operation at 1:00 A.M. due to lack of operating revenue. C. Loomis Allen, general manager, declared that unless there were changed conditions, the road would not resume and that readjustment of fares and wages of employees must be affected. That same day, a motor bus service was started pending formal grant of franchises for motor lines between the two villages and the city of Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. The Chenango branch of the New York Central Railroad
New York Central Railroad
The New York Central Railroad , known simply as the New York Central in its publicity, was a railroad operating in the Northeastern United States...
also stepped in to accommodate many passengers who had relied on the electric service.
Syracuse Rapid Transit railway
The Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
The Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway, an interurban rail, was chartered on May 21, 1896. The company was a consolidation of the Syracuse Street Railroad Company, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company and the People's Railroad Company which was formerly leased to the Syracuse Street...
, an interurban rail, began operations in May 1896. The company was a consolidation of the Syracuse Street Railroad Company, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company
Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway
The Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway, chartered on May 22, 1890, in Syracuse, New York. On July 1, 1890, the company leased, in perpetuity, several street railroads in the city including Third Ward Railway, Fourth Ward Railroad, Fifth Ward Railroad, Seventh Ward Railroad, Eleventh Ward...
and the People's Railroad Company
People's Railroad
The People's Railroad was a street railway chartered in 1887 and opened for business in 1889 in Syracuse, New York. The total length of the line was with branches each . In 1896, the company merged into Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway.-History:...
that was called the Syracuse Railway Company.
The company controlled the city street railway system of Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
and had extensions to Solvay
Solvay, New York
Solvay is a village located in Onondaga County, New York, and a suburb of the city of Syracuse. According to the 2000 census, the village had a total population of 6,845...
, Onondaga Valley
Onondaga, New York
Onondaga is a town located in Onondaga County, New York, United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the town had a population of 21,063. The town is named after the native Onondaga tribe, part of the Iroquois Confederacy....
, Rockwell Springs, East Syracuse
East Syracuse, New York
East Syracuse is an incorporated village and a suburb of the City of Syracuse in eastern Onondaga County, New York. United States. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, the village had a population of 3,178....
and Liverpool
Liverpool, New York
Liverpool is a village located in Onondaga County, New York, United States. The population was 2,505 at the 2000 census. The name was adopted from the city of Liverpool in the United Kingdom...
.
In 1912, the rail merged with the New York State Railways, affiliated with New York Central Railroad
New York Central Railroad
The New York Central Railroad , known simply as the New York Central in its publicity, was a railroad operating in the Northeastern United States...
.
Syracuse, Lakeside and Baldwinsville railway
The Syracuse, Lakeside and Baldwinsville Railway began operations in 1898 and provided service along the shore of Onondaga Lake
Onondaga Lake
Onondaga Lake is a lake in Central New York located northwest of Syracuse, New York. The southeastern end of the lake and the southwestern shore abut industrial areas and expressways; the northeastern shore and northwestern end border a series of parks and museums. Although it is near the Finger...
. Due to dependence on summer traffic, the company did not prosper during the remainder of the year.
It was reorganized as the Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
The Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad, an interurban rail, was incorporated on September 9, 1905, after it was purchased by the Beebe Syndicate...
in 1905. Soon after, part of the track was "relocated from the highway to private right-of-way" and the line was extended north toward Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
on Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario, and on the south by the American state of New York. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, was named for the lake. In the Wyandot language, ontarío means...
.
Syracuse and South Bay railway
The Syracuse and South Bay Railway
Syracuse and South Bay Railway
The Syracuse and South Bay Railway, also known as the Syracuse and South Bay Electric Railroad, incorporated on May 10, 1900, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York, through Cicero to Lower South Bay on the south shore of Oneida Lake, a distance of .The railway and the steamer,...
, also known as the Syracuse and South Bay Electric Railroad, incorporated on May 10, 1900, was an interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
rail that ran from Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, through Cicero
Cicero, New York
Cicero is a town in Onondaga County, New York, USA. The population was 27,982 at the 2000 census. The name of the town was assigned by a clerk interested in the classics, honoring Cicero, a Roman statesman....
to Lower South Bay
South Bay, New York
South Bay is a small hamlet on the south east corner of Oneida Lake in New York State....
on the south shore of Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake is the largest lake entirely within New York State . The lake is located northeast of Syracuse and near the Great Lakes. It serves as one of the links in the Erie Canal. It empties into the Oneida River which flows into the Oswego River which in turn flows into Lake Ontario...
, a distance of 12 miles (19.3 km).
The line began in the city at the intersection of Wolf Street and Seventh North Street connecting at that point with the tracks of the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
The Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway, an interurban rail, was chartered on May 21, 1896. The company was a consolidation of the Syracuse Street Railroad Company, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company and the People's Railroad Company which was formerly leased to the Syracuse Street...
, running from there easterly along Seventh North Street about 200 feet (61 m) and running northeast by a right angle turn by private right of way across the tracks of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad by an under crossing. From there, the rail headed northeasterly to the plank road to the town of Salina
Salina, New York
Salina is a town in Onondaga County, New York, United States. The population was 33,290 at the 2000 census. The name of the town is derived from the Latin word for "salt."...
and Clay
Clay, New York
Clay is a town in Onondaga County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 58,805, making it Syracuse's largest suburb. The town was named after Henry Clay, statesman....
to the west line of Cicero
Cicero, New York
Cicero is a town in Onondaga County, New York, USA. The population was 27,982 at the 2000 census. The name of the town was assigned by a clerk interested in the classics, honoring Cicero, a Roman statesman....
thence by private right of way to Norcross Point on the east side of South Bay
South Bay, New York
South Bay is a small hamlet on the south east corner of Oneida Lake in New York State....
on Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake
Oneida Lake is the largest lake entirely within New York State . The lake is located northeast of Syracuse and near the Great Lakes. It serves as one of the links in the Erie Canal. It empties into the Oneida River which flows into the Oswego River which in turn flows into Lake Ontario...
.
The name was changed to Syracuse Northern Electric Railway Company
Syracuse Northern Electric Railway
The Syracuse Northern Electric Railway, also known as the Syracuse and Northern Electric Railway, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York to Oswego, New York, a distance of...
by 1917.
Auburn and Syracuse Electric railroad
The Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad
Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad
The Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad was an interurban rail that ran from Auburn, New York to Syracuse, New York, a distance of . The railroad owned a total of of track which "was as fine as any in the state."...
was formed in 1901 and by November 1905, the company had cars to Split Rock
Split Rock, New York
Split Rock is a hamlet in the Town of Onondaga in Onondaga County, New York. Today more a historic place than a community, Split Rock is a site of great interest to industrial archeology. The Solvay Process Company developed quarry operations here, delivering limestone used for the Solvay process...
, Marcellus
Marcellus, New York
Marcellus, New York may refer to:*Marcellus , New York in Onondaga County*Marcellus , New York, located within the Town of Marcellus...
, Skaneateles
Skaneateles (village), New York
Skaneateles is a village in the town of Skaneateles, Onondaga County, New York, United States. The village is named from and located on the shores of Skaneateles Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. The village, as of the 2000 census, has a population of 2,616 residents. The main highway through the...
and Auburn
Auburn, New York
Auburn is a city in Cayuga County, New York, United States of America. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 27,687...
.
The rail was part of the Beebe Syndicate, a group of 12 high-speed, interurban, electric train lines which ran from Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, through Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
and Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, then north to Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
on Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario, and on the south by the American state of New York. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, was named for the lake. In the Wyandot language, ontarío means...
.
By August 1911, the rail was providing vacation excursions to Upstate New York
Upstate New York
Upstate New York is the region of the U.S. state of New York that is located north of the core of the New York metropolitan area.-Definition:There is no clear or official boundary between Upstate New York and Downstate New York...
locations such as Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake is one of the Finger Lakes in central New York in the United States. The name Skaneateles means long lake in one of the local Iroquoian languages. The lake is sometimes referred to as "The Roof Garden of the Lakes" because its altitude is higher than the other Finger Lakes. It...
which they advertised as "A Perfect Ride in Perfect Safety Searchlight Excursion." The trip was scheduled three times a week and included a 38 miles (61.2 km) "scenic" trolley ride and a 30 miles (48.3 km) "searchlight sail" and one hour of dancing at Ten Mile Point, New York
Ten Mile Point, New York
Ten Mile Point is a scenic area on the shore of Skaneateles Lake, New York, a popular picnic spot for lake outings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is located at the mouth of a ravine on alluvium. Onandaga County Road 72 runs through it and is locally known as "10 Mile Point Road"...
.
On weekends, the railroad ventured to Fair Haven
Fair Haven, New York
Fair Haven is a village in Cayuga County, New York, United States. The population was 884 at the 2000 census.The Village of Fair Haven is within the Town of Sterling and is northwest of Syracuse, New York...
instead of Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake
Skaneateles Lake is one of the Finger Lakes in central New York in the United States. The name Skaneateles means long lake in one of the local Iroquoian languages. The lake is sometimes referred to as "The Roof Garden of the Lakes" because its altitude is higher than the other Finger Lakes. It...
. The roundtrip price was 75 cents, no matter the location or day and the main ticket office was located at 340 West Fayette Street.
The company went bankrupt in 1927 and streetcar service in Auburn
Auburn, New York
Auburn is a city in Cayuga County, New York, United States of America. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 27,687...
ended at that time, however, interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
service continued and the business was sold in 1930. Rail service was abandoned on April 15, 1930.
Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern railroad
The Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
The Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad, an interurban rail, was incorporated on September 9, 1905, after it was purchased by the Beebe Syndicate...
served the Oswego, New York
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
, area and began operations in 1905 when it was formed from the Lake Ontario and Riverside Railway, which dated back to 1896 and was a system originally built by the Oswego Street Railway. The line also merged with the Syracuse, Lakeside and Baldwinsville Railway that same year and the line was extended to Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
. The rail was part of the Beebe Syndicate, a group of 12 high-speed, interurban, electric train lines which ran from Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, through Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
and Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, then north to Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
on Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario, and on the south by the American state of New York. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, was named for the lake. In the Wyandot language, ontarío means...
.
By 1911, the company had 13 fast electric limited trains leaving Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
daily for Baldwinsville
Baldwinsville, New York
Baldwinsville is a village in Onondaga County, New York, United States. The population was 7,053 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Syracuse Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, Phoenix
Phoenix, New York
Phoenix is a village in Oswego County, New York, United States, about north of Syracuse. The population was 2,251 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from Alexander Phoenix...
, Fulton
Fulton, Oswego County, New York
Fulton is a small city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 11,855 at the 2000 census. The city is named after Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat.The city of Fulton is located in the western part of the county....
, Minetto
Minetto (town), New York
Minetto is a town in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 1,663 at the 2000 census.The Town of Minetto is located south of the City of Oswego, which it borders....
and Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
.
Financial issues in 1913 forced the company to merge with two other rails; the Auburn and Northern Electric Railroad and the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad
Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad
The Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad, also known as the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, an interurban rail, began operations in 1906 and linked Rochester, New York, with the nearby towns of Newark, Egypt, Fairport and Palmyra...
forming the Empire United Railways
Empire United Railways
The Empire United Railways was an interurban rail that was owned by Clifford D. Beebe of Syracuse, New York. The Beebe Syndicate controlled interurbans that ran from Rochester to Syracuse, to Auburn to Oswego on Lake Ontario....
. The rail was in use until 1916 when it became known as the Empire State Railroad Corporation
Empire State Railway
The Empire State Railway, established in 1916, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York, to Oswego, New York, a distance of . Streetcar service on the route ran until 1931 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.-History:...
. Streetcar service on the route ran until 1931 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.
Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid railroad
The Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad
Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad
The Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad, also known as the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, an interurban rail, began operations in 1906 and linked Rochester, New York, with the nearby towns of Newark, Egypt, Fairport and Palmyra...
, also known as the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, an interurban rail, began operations in 1906 and linked Rochester, New York
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
, with the nearby towns of Newark
Newark, New York
Newark is a village in Wayne County, New York, U.S., south east of Rochester. The population was 9,682 at the 2000 census.The Village of Newark is in the south part of the Town of Arcadia and is in the south of Wayne County.- History :...
, Fairport
Fairport, New York
Fairport is a village located in the town of Perinton which is part of Monroe County, New York. Fairport is a suburb east of Rochester. It is also known as the "Crown Jewel of the Erie Canal"...
and Palmyra
Palmyra, New York
Palmyra, New York may refer to:*Palmyra , New York*Palmyra , New York...
. At its peak the railroad was 87 miles (140 km) in length and employed third-rail for power instead of the more traditional overhead catenary
Overhead lines
Overhead lines or overhead wires are used to transmit electrical energy to trams, trolleybuses or trains at a distance from the energy supply point...
.
The rail was part of the Beebe Syndicate, a group of 12 high-speed, interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
, electric train lines which ran from Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, through Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
and Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, then north to Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
on Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario, and on the south by the American state of New York. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, was named for the lake. In the Wyandot language, ontarío means...
.
Financial issues in 1913 forced the company to merge with two other rails; the Auburn and Northern Electric Railroad and the Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
The Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad, an interurban rail, was incorporated on September 9, 1905, after it was purchased by the Beebe Syndicate...
forming the Empire United Railways
Empire United Railways
The Empire United Railways was an interurban rail that was owned by Clifford D. Beebe of Syracuse, New York. The Beebe Syndicate controlled interurbans that ran from Rochester to Syracuse, to Auburn to Oswego on Lake Ontario....
. The new company was not successful and was split up in 1916 and the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad (RS&E)
Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad
The Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad, also known as the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, an interurban rail, began operations in 1906 and linked Rochester, New York, with the nearby towns of Newark, Egypt, Fairport and Palmyra...
became the Rochester and Syracuse Railroad
Rochester and Syracuse Railroad (interurban)
The Rochester and Syracuse Railroad was a double-track, high-speed line line that ran between Rochester, New York and Syracuse, New York. The tracks paralleled the New York Central Railroad and the Erie Canal and had only one grade crossing with another railroad its entire length.The road was...
which remained in operation until 1931 when it was abandoned.
Rochester and Syracuse railroad
The Rochester and Syracuse Railway, Inc.
Rochester and Syracuse Railroad (interurban)
The Rochester and Syracuse Railroad was a double-track, high-speed line line that ran between Rochester, New York and Syracuse, New York. The tracks paralleled the New York Central Railroad and the Erie Canal and had only one grade crossing with another railroad its entire length.The road was...
, of Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, was incorporated as the successor to the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, the property which they sold under foreclosure on August 28, 1917.
The rail was part of the Beebe Syndicate, a group of 12 high-speed, interurban, electric train lines which ran from Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, through Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
and Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, then north to Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
on Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario, and on the south by the American state of New York. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, was named for the lake. In the Wyandot language, ontarío means...
.
The company acquired control of the Empire State Railroad
Empire State Railway
The Empire State Railway, established in 1916, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York, to Oswego, New York, a distance of . Streetcar service on the route ran until 1931 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.-History:...
in 1922. In 1930, the company leased the Port-Byron-Auburn line after the abandonment of the direct interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
between Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
and Auburn
Auburn, New York
Auburn is a city in Cayuga County, New York, United States of America. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 27,687...
, however this was short lived as the entire R&S
Rochester and Syracuse Railroad (interurban)
The Rochester and Syracuse Railroad was a double-track, high-speed line line that ran between Rochester, New York and Syracuse, New York. The tracks paralleled the New York Central Railroad and the Erie Canal and had only one grade crossing with another railroad its entire length.The road was...
line was abandoned on June 27, 1931.
New York State railways
New York State Railways, formed in 1909, was a grouping of several large city streetcar and electric interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
systems in upstate New York
Upstate New York
Upstate New York is the region of the U.S. state of New York that is located north of the core of the New York metropolitan area.-Definition:There is no clear or official boundary between Upstate New York and Downstate New York...
. It included the city transit systems in Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
, Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, Utica
Utica, New York
Utica is a city in and the county seat of Oneida County, New York, United States. The population was 62,235 at the 2010 census, an increase of 2.6% from the 2000 census....
, Oneida
Oneida, New York
Oneida is a city in Madison County located west of Oneida Castle and east of Canastota, New York, United States. The population was 10,987 at the 2000 census. The city, like both Oneida County and the nearby silver and china maker, takes its name from the Oneida tribe...
and Rome
Rome, New York
Rome is a city in Oneida County, New York, United States. It is located in north-central or "upstate" New York. The population was 44,797 at the 2010 census. It is in New York's 24th congressional district. In 1758, British forces began construction of Fort Stanwix at this strategic location, but...
, plus various interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
lines connecting those cities.
The company was formed when the New York Central Railroad
New York Central Railroad
The New York Central Railroad , known simply as the New York Central in its publicity, was a railroad operating in the Northeastern United States...
(NYC) consolidated its previously purchased (in 1905) with several interurban companies in Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
. In 1912 it added the Rochester and Surburban Railway, the Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway
The Syracuse Rapid Transit Railway, an interurban rail, was chartered on May 21, 1896. The company was a consolidation of the Syracuse Street Railroad Company, the Syracuse Consolidated Street Railway Company and the People's Railroad Company which was formerly leased to the Syracuse Street...
, the Oneida Railway
Oneida Railway
The Oneida Railway, an interurban rail, was established in 1907 when the New York Central Railroad electrified of the West Shore Railroad between Syracuse, New York and Utica, New York....
and the Utica and Mohawk Valley Railway In effect, the big steam railroad system (NYC) was able to monopolize local and intercity passenger business along its Mohawk Valley
Mohawk Valley
The Mohawk Valley region of the U.S. state of New York is the area surrounding the Mohawk River, sandwiched between the Adirondack Mountains and Catskill Mountains....
mainline. The company discontinued streetcar service in 1941.
Empire United railways
The Empire United Railways
Empire United Railways
The Empire United Railways was an interurban rail that was owned by Clifford D. Beebe of Syracuse, New York. The Beebe Syndicate controlled interurbans that ran from Rochester to Syracuse, to Auburn to Oswego on Lake Ontario....
was established in 1912 after the Auburn and Northern Railroad and the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad
Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad
The Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rapid Railroad, also known as the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railroad, an interurban rail, began operations in 1906 and linked Rochester, New York, with the nearby towns of Newark, Egypt, Fairport and Palmyra...
consolidated. In 1913, Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad
The Syracuse, Lake Shore and Northern Railroad, an interurban rail, was incorporated on September 9, 1905, after it was purchased by the Beebe Syndicate...
was merged into the company.
The rail was part of the Beebe Syndicate, a group of 12 high-speed, interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
, electric train lines which ran from Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
, through Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
and Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, then north to Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
on Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario, and on the south by the American state of New York. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, was named for the lake. In the Wyandot language, ontarío means...
. The line had an "electric parlor car" named Syracuse in 1912 that made runs between Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
and Rochester
Rochester, New York
Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...
.
The company was consolidated into the Empire State Railway
Empire State Railway
The Empire State Railway, established in 1916, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York, to Oswego, New York, a distance of . Streetcar service on the route ran until 1931 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.-History:...
in 1917.
Empire State railway
The Empire State Railroad Corporation
Empire State Railway
The Empire State Railway, established in 1916, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York, to Oswego, New York, a distance of . Streetcar service on the route ran until 1931 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.-History:...
was formed on October 30, 1916, to take over part of the property of the Empire United Railways, Inc.
Empire United Railways
The Empire United Railways was an interurban rail that was owned by Clifford D. Beebe of Syracuse, New York. The Beebe Syndicate controlled interurbans that ran from Rochester to Syracuse, to Auburn to Oswego on Lake Ontario....
.
The new company took over the property from the receiver on October 31, 1916. The firm owned the interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
electric railway known as the Empire State Railway
Empire State Railway
The Empire State Railway, established in 1916, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York, to Oswego, New York, a distance of . Streetcar service on the route ran until 1931 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.-History:...
that ran between Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
and Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
, including the local electric railway system in Oswego
Oswego, New York
Oswego is a city in Oswego County, New York, United States. The population was 18,142 at the 2010 census. Oswego is located on Lake Ontario in north-central New York and promotes itself as "The Port City of Central New York"...
and the Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
terminal. The Rochester and Syracuse Railroad
Rochester and Syracuse Railroad (interurban)
The Rochester and Syracuse Railroad was a double-track, high-speed line line that ran between Rochester, New York and Syracuse, New York. The tracks paralleled the New York Central Railroad and the Erie Canal and had only one grade crossing with another railroad its entire length.The road was...
used the Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
terminal under a rental agreement.
The Empire State Railroad Corporation
Empire State Railway
The Empire State Railway, established in 1916, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York, to Oswego, New York, a distance of . Streetcar service on the route ran until 1931 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.-History:...
also owned the interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
electric railway extending from Auburn
Auburn, New York
Auburn is a city in Cayuga County, New York, United States of America. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 27,687...
to a connection with the Rochester and Syracuse Railroad
Rochester and Syracuse Railroad (interurban)
The Rochester and Syracuse Railroad was a double-track, high-speed line line that ran between Rochester, New York and Syracuse, New York. The tracks paralleled the New York Central Railroad and the Erie Canal and had only one grade crossing with another railroad its entire length.The road was...
at Port Byron, New York
Port Byron, New York
Port Byron is a village in Cayuga County, New York, United States. The population was 1,297 at the 2000 census. The village is believed to be named after Lord Byron.The Village of Port Byron is in the Town of Mentz and is north of Auburn, New York....
, 26 miles (41.8 km)west of Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
. They also owned part of the local electric railway system in Auburn
Auburn, New York
Auburn is a city in Cayuga County, New York, United States of America. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 27,687...
which was operated by the Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad
Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad
The Auburn and Syracuse Electric Railroad was an interurban rail that ran from Auburn, New York to Syracuse, New York, a distance of . The railroad owned a total of of track which "was as fine as any in the state."...
. The total track owned by the Empire State Railroad Corporation
Empire State Railway
The Empire State Railway, established in 1916, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York, to Oswego, New York, a distance of . Streetcar service on the route ran until 1931 when it was abandoned in favor of buses.-History:...
was 83 miles (133.6 km), of which 70 miles (112.7 km) was interurban and 13 miles (20.9 km) miles city track. Power was supplied by the Niagara, Lockport and Ontario Power Company from Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
The Niagara Falls, located on the Niagara River draining Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, is the collective name for the Horseshoe Falls and the adjacent American Falls along with the comparatively small Bridal Veil Falls, which combined form the highest flow rate of any waterfalls in the world and has...
, Salmon River
Salmon River (New York)
The Salmon River arises in north central New York State on the Tug Hill Plateau to the east of Lake Ontario. It flows westward off the plateau and there is a hydroelectric dam near Little America to create the Salmon River Reservoir. Both the Salmon River and Salmon River Reservoir are heavily...
and Oswego River
Oswego River (New York)
The Oswego River is a river in upstate New York in the United States. This river is the second-largest river flowing into Lake Ontario. James Fenimore Cooper’s novel The Pathfinder, or The Inland Sea is set in the Oswego River valley...
hydro-electric developments.
Syracuse Northern Electric railway
The Syracuse Northern Electric Railway
Syracuse Northern Electric Railway
The Syracuse Northern Electric Railway, also known as the Syracuse and Northern Electric Railway, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York to Oswego, New York, a distance of...
, also known as Syracuse and Northern Electric Railway, came out of the Syracuse and South Bay Railway Company
Syracuse and South Bay Railway
The Syracuse and South Bay Railway, also known as the Syracuse and South Bay Electric Railroad, incorporated on May 10, 1900, was an interurban rail that ran from Syracuse, New York, through Cicero to Lower South Bay on the south shore of Oneida Lake, a distance of .The railway and the steamer,...
The road was in business by 1917 when the directors authorized the sale of four miles of track from Watertown Junction to South Bay, New York
South Bay, New York
South Bay is a small hamlet on the south east corner of Oneida Lake in New York State....
. The double-track lines were torn up and replaced with a single-track line. The section of rail was sold for $30,000.
OnTrack
OnTrack
OnTrack
OnTrack was a regional rail line that operated in Syracuse, New York from 1994 to 2007. During its operation, Syracuse was the smallest city in the United States to have regional train service. The line ran from Colvin Street on the city's south side via Syracuse University and Armory Square to the...
was a regional rail
Regional rail
Commuter rail, also called suburban rail, is a passenger rail transport service that primarily operates between a city center, and the middle to outer suburbs beyond 15km and commuter towns or other locations that draw large numbers of commuters—people who travel on a daily basis...
line that operated in Syracuse, New York
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, from 1994 to 2007. During its operation, Syracuse
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
was the smallest city in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to have regional train service. The line ran from Colvin Street on the city's south side via Syracuse University
Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, United States. Its roots can be traced back to Genesee Wesleyan Seminary, founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832, which also later founded Genesee College...
and Armory Square
Armory Square
Armory Square is a small neighborhood on the west side of Downtown Syracuse, New York. It began life as a busy commercial and industrial area just to the west of the central city. After World War II, Syracuse's central city became less and less populated as more housing and business facilities...
to the Carousel Center
Carousel Center
Carousel Center is a , seven-story super-regional shopping and entertainment complex on the shore of Onondaga Lake in Syracuse, New York. It has eight anchor store slots - currently filled with Best Buy, Bon Ton, Forever 21 , JCPenney, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, and Sports Authority...
, using four Budd Rail Diesel Car
Budd Rail Diesel Car
The Budd Rail Diesel Car, RDC or Buddliner is a self-propelled diesel multiple unit railcar. In the period 1949–62, 398 RDCs were built by the Budd Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States...
s (RDC-1) built in the 1950s. It was operated by the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway
New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway
The New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway , also known as the Susie-Q, or simply the Susquehanna, is a Class II American freight railway operating over 500 miles of track in the northeastern states of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It was formed in 1881 from the merger of several...
.