Potsdam Railroad, 1850 to 2000

Potsdam Public Museum

Potsdam Railroad, 1850 to 2000 Hannawa Falls Water and Power Company Engine #2, "Old Betsy" - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

Historical Context

Potsdam is located in St. Lawrence County, New York and was founded in 1806 and was the site of both the St. Lawrence Academy (Now SUNY Potsdam) and Clarkson University.

Scope of Collection

The photographs in this collection detail the history of rail travel in Potsdam, New York from the construction of the first rail depot in 1854 to the 1980s. Images of the rail depots that have serviced the town and steam locomotive engines are included. Additionally, there are numerous images of train wrecks and accidents, most notably of the 1889 Barnum and Baily circus train, as well as a 1910 bridge collapse along the Hannawa Railroad.