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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHALLIS-ID">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHALLIS-ID">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Idaho Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Idaho Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIdaho" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIdaho" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIdaho">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Idaho</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:IDAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">IDAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/idaho/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Idaho</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-idaho/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-CHALLIS-ID" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPIdaho" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpidaho" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ''include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHALLIS-ID">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHALLIS-ID">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ''include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHALLIS-ID">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHALLIS-ID">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/challis-id/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/challis-id/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/challis-id/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/challis-id/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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</div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHALLIS-ID">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-CHALLIS-ID">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park - Challis, ID"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the" name="description"/> <meta content="Connecticut, Valley, Railroad, State, Park, Challis, ID" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park"/> <meta property="og:description" content="In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.350101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-72.4048"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>1 Railroad Avenue</div> <div> <span>Essex</span>, <span>CT</span> <span>06426</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Connecticut-Valley-Railroad-State-Park" target="_blank">Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 860-767-0103</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Connecticut+Valley+Railroad+State+Park%2C+1+Railroad+Avenue%2C+Essex%2C+CT+06426" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>In the late 1960s, Penn Central, then owner of the right of way that is now Valley Railroad State Park was planning to tear up the tracks and decommission the railroad. Thankfully, through the work of dedicated volunteers, in August 1969 the State of Connecticut received the right of way for what is now Valley Railroad State Park from the Penn Central Railroad. But the history of these rails started well before that.In 1868 the Valley Railroad Company was chartered with the intent to build a railroad that would connect Old Saybrook to the capitol city of Hartford, a distance of 44 miles. The initial work proceeded quickly and by 1869 the mapping and surveying was complete. Construction began with groundbreaking in Higganum in April, 1870 and, because the line stayed in the relatively flat valley, there was no need for time consuming construction of tunnels and extensive bridges. Thousands of men worked on the rail line and the construction of the seventeen stations, and progress was rapid. On July 31, 1871 the first passenger train made the 44 mile run. People cheered at each of the new stations, banners and flags were hoisted, guns fired, food served and speeches given.Both freight and passenger services were envisioned. The rail road would enable valley commerce to continue year round, with no shipping stoppage due to low-water or ice conditions in the Connecticut River. It would make a year-round connection of the lower valley towns which felt isolated from the rest of state in winter months.By today's standards passenger fares were inexpensive. The rail trip from Essex to Goodspeed was priced at 30 cents. But even by the standards of the day, rates must have been reasonable as passenger travel was double the early expectations from the first day the line opened.Over the years problems common to short line railroads - economic depressions, mergers, buyouts, and the loss of passengers to the automobile - brought about the company's failure. The last passenger stepped off the train in 1933, and 1968 saw the last of the freight business. By 1970, one hundred years after the line's original groundbreaking in Higganum, the line was in the state's hands.Today the Valley Railroad Company, as an independent entity once again, leases the 136 acre, 22.7 mile, mostly linear property from the state. From the 1892 station in Essex passengers can choose from a variety of train and combination train and riverboat excursions up the river valley. Special trips including a visit to Gillette Castle State Park and 'Your Hand On The Throttle' are also featured. The rail yard alone is of interest to train aficionados. Depending on the season and schedules, more than two dozen pieces of vintage rolling stock can be seen, including a variety of engines.But the actual rail excursion up the river valley and is why most people come. The nostalgia of a bygone era is rekindled through the sounds, smells and vistas that only a trip on an actual steam locomotive and train can provide.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/challis-id/report/place/connecticut-valley-railroad-state-park-essex-ct.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/challis-id/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/challis-id/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Challis</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 6:30 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. MT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> 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