Скачать или смотреть Ghosts of the Rails: A Night Hike Through the Woonasquatucket Railroad (Haunted Smithfield, RI)

The Woonasquatucket Railroad in Smithfield, Rhode Island, is an integral part of the town’s industrial and transportation history, contributing significantly to the development of the local economy in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Here’s a detailed account of its history, features, and impact:

Origins and History
Industrial Roots:

Smithfield, Rhode Island, was a major hub of the textile industry during the 19th century. The Woonasquatucket River powered numerous mills along its banks, including those in Georgiaville, Esmond, and Stillwater.
The need to transport raw materials (like cotton) to the mills and finished goods to markets spurred the creation of a reliable transportation network.
The Railroad’s Establishment:

The Woonasquatucket Railroad was chartered in 1872 to connect mill villages in Smithfield with larger transportation networks in Providence and beyond.
It followed the course of the Woonasquatucket River, making it possible to serve the many mills along the riverbanks.
Merger with the Providence and Springfield Railroad:

By 1873, the Woonasquatucket Railroad merged with the Providence and Springfield Railroad, which aimed to provide a route between Providence and Springfield, Massachusetts.
This merger linked Smithfield’s industrial villages with larger regional railroads, enhancing trade and communication.
Decline:

The Great Depression, combined with the decline of the New England textile industry, led to reduced demand for rail services.
By the mid-20th century, the railroad’s importance had diminished, and sections of the track were abandoned as trucks and automobiles became the preferred modes of transport.
Features of the Woonasquatucket Railroad
Mill-Centric Design:

The railroad was designed to pass through Smithfield’s industrial villages, including Stillwater, Georgiaville, and Esmond, where mills were clustered along the Woonasquatucket River.
Loading docks and sidings were built directly at the mills for easy loading and unloading of goods.
Bridges and Infrastructure:

The railroad crossed the Woonasquatucket River multiple times. Some of the old bridges and stone abutments remain visible today, particularly near Georgiaville and Stillwater.
Passenger and Freight Service:

Although primarily a freight railroad, the Woonasquatucket Railroad also offered passenger service, allowing workers and residents to travel between Smithfield villages and Providence.
Historical Landmarks:

Remnants of the railroad, such as old tracks, ties, and stone structures, can still be found in wooded areas and conservation lands like the Mowry Conservation Area and Georgiaville Pond.
Impact on Smithfield
Economic Growth:

The railroad facilitated the efficient transport of raw materials and finished textiles, which helped Smithfield’s mills thrive during the height of the industrial revolution.
It connected Smithfield to larger markets, making the town an integral part of Rhode Island’s economy.
Village Development:

The railroad spurred the growth of mill villages along its route. Towns like Georgiaville and Esmond grew around the mills, with housing, schools, and stores built for workers and their families.
Environmental Changes:

The railroad, along with the mills it served, altered the landscape of Smithfield. The river was dammed to create mill ponds like Georgiaville Pond and Stillwater Reservoir, which were used for both power generation and as a water source for the mills.

Forgotten Tunnels and Bridges:

There are rumors of hidden tunnels or forgotten sections of the railroad buried beneath modern developments, particularly near Georgiaville Pond and Esmond. Some remnants, like overgrown tracks and stone abutments, are periodically rediscovered by hikers and history enthusiasts.
Environmental Reclamation:

Over time, nature has reclaimed much of the railroad’s route. The old tracks and rights-of-way have become wildlife corridors, hiking trails, and conservation areas, preserving a connection to the past.
Current Status
Trails and Conservation:

Sections of the old Woonasquatucket Railroad right-of-way are now part of conservation lands and walking trails, including areas near Mowry Conservation Area and Stillwater Reservoir.

Community Connection:

The legacy of the Woonasquatucket Railroad lives on in the identity of Smithfield’s mill villages and the pride residents take in their industrial heritage.
Conclusion
The Woonasquatucket Railroad was a lifeline for Smithfield’s mill villages, shaping the town’s economy, landscape, and community. While its tracks have mostly vanished, its influence lingers in the historical landmarks, conservation areas, and stories that remain. Whether exploring the old railbeds or visiting the mill villages it once served, the railroad’s legacy offers a fascinating glimpse into Smithfield’s past.