The New Canaan Branch Line - Origins

Historical Roots

Approximately one hundred small independent railroads were built in southern New England between 1826 and the 1880s. Unlike the Western states, where railroads preceded and shaped settlement, in the Northeast they served primarily to link already existing towns, businesses, and markets.

Connecticut shoreline

Interestingly, because early railroad routes were determined by geographic factors like rivers and because the toll roads were good, the start of railroads in Connecticut was delayed a decade. A profusion of rivers along Connecticut's southern shore line plagued construction of an east west shore route for some time due to the considerable costs for bridges needed.

But by 1904, the majority of small independent railroads were absorbed into the vast New Haven system and a consolidated route was established. The New Canaan Line traces its lineage—like so many other railroad branches in New England—along the same line, being absorbed by the New Haven Railroad in 1890.