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Special Features
Bikes, Barges and Trains (Part 2)
©May 2005 by Peter Lynn
 Return to Bikes, Barges and Trains Return to Special Features
Naugatuck Railroad & Railroad Musem Of New England : Connecticut
Area Mountain Bike Trails: Western Connecticut
The Railroad Museum of New England is a not-for-profit educational and historical organization with a mission to preserve the region’s railroad heritage. The museum operates a scenic train ride departing from the 1881 Thomaston Station. The 20 mile,
1 1/4 hour excursion is both a journey into the industrial past of the region and a scenic tour of the beautiful Naugatuck River Valley. Travel through the Mattatuck State Forest and Litchfield Hills, past the Black Rock Cliffs, along the Naugatuck River and across the face of Thomaston Dam, high above the spillway and river valley. The train operates June-October. Special events include "Day Out with Thomas", "Fall Foliage Festival", Thomaston Tree Lighting specials, Christmas trains and a "Vintage Express" winetasting tour. For a really unique experience sign up for the "Engineer for an Hour" program and run a diesel locomotive along the scenic "Naugy". For schedule, fares and special events see the website or call the contact number below.
By 1845 several rail lines were built connecting inland sections of Connecticut with ports on the Long Island Sound. The Naugatuck Valley was growing as an industrial center, especially with the building of rubber factories here by Charles Goodyear. The need to transport raw materials and manufactured products led to a charter for the Naugatuck Railroad Company in 1845. The railroad began moving passengers and goods in 1849. A long and profitable run under many different incarnations reached well into the 20th century.
Contact information:
The Railroad Museum Of New England
P.O. Box 400
Thomaston, CT 06787-0400
Phone: 860-283-7245
Website: www.rmne.org/
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