1874 – 1895

The Martha's Vineyard Railroad

In the summer of 1874, the Martha's Vineyard Railroad was opened to provide passenger travel across the island. Facing a financial crisis in 1873, the railroad was envisioned to bring visitors from the popular tourist town of Oak Bluffs to the old whaling town of Edgartown. Although environmental concerns were raised by residents, the railroad was pushed through and hastily built. Constructed over miles of pristine beaches and water, the railroad destroyed large tracts of wildlife and encroached on the existing ecosystem. The railroad lost in popularity to a horse-drawn trolley line, and was shut down permanently in 1895.

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Herman Page, Rails Across Martha's Vineyard

Cory Sachs