Boston Corners (NYCRR station)

Boston Corners

Boston Corners station site. Station signal box lays across former track bed.
Station statistics
Address 45 Boston Corners Road
Ancram, New York, 12502
Tracks 0
Other information
Opened 1905 - Closed March 22, 1972 (Passenger Service) March 27, 1980 (Freight)
Services
Preceding station   New York Central Railroad   Following station
Harlem Line
toward Chatham

Boston Corners was a former NYCRR train station that served the residents of Ancram, New York

History

Boston Corners was the first stop of the Harlem Division in Columbia County. The site was originally known as "Boston Corner" which was located at the time in the very Southwest corner of Massachusetts. However, on January 3, 1855 the United States Congress annexed 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) from Massachusetts to New York. This now situated about 400 feet (120 m) of the Harlem Line in New York state. In the early days of the development the area was known as "the Badlands" which was a spot where numerous fugitives would engage in illegal activities such as boxing and prize fights. In the early 20th century a formidable industry started to take shape.

Service on the Harlem at Boston Corners was reduced many times in the 20th century, and in 1940 it was reduced to a flag stop. On September 28, 1952 the station was closed by New York Central, remained for a few years and was dismantled a few years later. Following the closure of this station the settlement was virtually abandoned. Passenger service continued until March 20, 1972. Freight continued running on the line until service north of Wassaic ceased on March 27, 1976.[1] The rails were lifted in 1981 by Conrail.

References

  1. ^ Grogan, Louis V (1989). The Coming Of The New York And Harlem Railroad. Pawling, New York: Louis V. Grogan. pp. 364. ISBN N/A.