Hi.

I'm trying to find a good comprehensive history of the process by which the railroad was created
between Concord, NH, White River Junction, VT in the mid 19th century. I believe this was called
Northern Railroad, based in Concord, and it eventually became part of Boston and Maine.

Is there any great history text that might include this or, saints be praised, focuses on it?

I'm looking wherever experts might be and for any lead I can follow.

Thanks.

Gary Smith
It's best to send response by emai to gary.s@fortapache.net.

The "gold standard" for the history of New England railroad development is: George Pierce Baker, Formation of the New England Railroad Systems, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1937. This was republished in 1968 by New York: Greenwood Press. This comes closest to describing the process, but not much of the driving forces behind it. Best to search libraries for this.

The economic and social background is covered in the two-volume history by Edward Chase Kirkland, Men, Cities, and Transportation, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1948. A guaranteed eye-glazer if this is not your main interest.

Thirdly, in a briefer and more narrative manner, Alvin F. Harlow, Steelways of New England, New York: Creative Age Press1946.

A brief summary of the construction, operational details, and decline are in Robert M. Lindsell, The Rail Lines of Northern New England, Pepperell, MA: Branch Line Press, 2000.

I suggest you begin with the last, not the least because it is the most accessible, being still widely available. You may not find it necessary to go any further.

Regards,
PBM