The
Wilmington and Western
Railroad was chartered in 1867 and began to offer freight and passenger service in 1872 between Wilmington,
Delaware, and Landenberg, Pennsylvania. Over the years, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad branch faced increasing financial difficulties, and by the 1960s, it had dwindled to a limited freight operation. At this time, a dedicated group of volunteers revived the railroad and incorporated their growing organization as Historic Red Clay Valley. The present-day Wilmington and Western Railroad owns 10.2 miles of the Landenberg Branch and operates between Greenbank Station and Hockessin. It offers steam- and diesel-powered tourist trains along its scenic tracks and provides an educational and entertaining glimpse back in time while preserving part of the rich history of the Red Clay Valley.
Background Information
Railroads became the fastest transportation for people and the most economical for goods during the 19th century. Wilmingtno, founded in 1638, is the largest city in Delaware. Delaware is a small state on the Atlantic seaboard, one of the original thirteen colonies whose location off the main transportation routes has limited its importance.
