New York Central Railroad

History

The New York Central Railroad dates back to the mid-1800s. It was a consolidation of several railroads, by Erastus Corning, a prominent New York businessman. Construction on the rail line began in 1851 and the first run between Albany and Buffalo was completed in 1853. Over time, the line expanded throughout New York State, reaching areas as far east as Boston in the late 19th century.
The New York Central Railroad was one of the earliest Class I railroads, a classification given to those that meet a set of guidelines, such as track length and traffic. At its height, the line extended from New York City to the northern Great Lakes region, and included several branch lines that reached upstate New York and Pennsylvania.

For more than a century, the New York Central was known for its reliable service and competitive rates for freight and passenger service. It also helped to establish and/or improve upon other services and infrastructure adjacent to its lines, such as summer resorts and hotels. The line competed directly with its rival Pennsylvania Railroad, leading to a merger of the two lines in 1968.

The New York Central was one of the first major railroads in America and helped to lay the foundation for the development and growth of the country in the 19th century. This is evidenced by its impact at various levels, such as developing resort towns that continue to thrive to this day, connecting two of America’s most populated cities and creating a reliable transportation system. The railroad even utilized advanced technology during its heyday, such as buying the first electric mainline locomotive in the United States and was the first line to use a diesel engine in an express passenger train.

The impact of the New York Central Railroad says much about the progress of America and the integral role it played in the development of the country. While the railroad is no longer in operation, its legacy continues to this day, as does its imprint on the culture and history of the United States.

New York Central’s 20th Century Limited Passenger Train

From 1899 until 1967, the New York Centrals 20th Century Limited train was a luxurious and high-speed passenger train that traversed New York City to Chicago. Though it operated for only 68 years, it has left a lasting impression on railway supporters and continues to be remembered for its prestige and romance.

The 20th Century Limited was close to the heart of the New York Centrals company, as it was seen as their corporate flagship. First designed in 1897 by company president William J. Wilgus and inaugurated on June 7 1899, it was immediately established as the premier train in the system. It was the first passenger train in the United States to offer individual compartments and it became one of the most luxurious and famous trains in the country.

On each trip, the train departed at 4PM and stopped at important cites upon its journey, including Albany, Buffalo and Cleveland on its way to Chicago. On-board passengers experienced the best that the New York Centrals had to offer, with passengers able to sleep in luxurious staterooms and dine on exquisite cuisine in the dining car. Other amenities included a barbershop, gift shop, library, and the ‘Club Car’ which included tables for card and chess players.

Though its popularity waxed and waned over the years, it began to rapidly decline after World War II. This, in part, was due to the rise of automobile and air travel as people sought faster and more convenient forms of travel. Despite being the only New York Centrals train to turn a profit until the 1950s, the 20th Century Limited ended its run in December 1967. Although it has disbanded, the 20th Century Limited is remembered fondly today. Its legacy is that it revolutionized long-distance, comfortable and luxurious travel and helped to transform the journey from an obstacle to a pleasure.

When you think back to the 20th Century Limited, one will never forget its grandeur, reputation and luxuriousness. It played an important part in the history of international transportation and will live on in the memories of many who traveled on the historic train.

Surviving Locomotives

Steam

Locomotive	Type	Builder	Location
6894	0-6-0	Alco 1912	Whitewater Valley Railroad, Connersville, IN
45	4-4-2	Alco 1903	Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI
5780	2-8-0	Alco 1901	Tramway, Eagle Lake, ME
502	4-6-4	Alco 1927	Steamtown National Historic Site, Scranton, PA
3001	4-8-2	Alco 1940	National NYC Railroad Museum, Elkhart, IN
2522	2-8-0	Alco 1910	Major County Historical Society Complex , Fairview, OK
2933	4-6-4	Alco 1929	Museum of Transportation, St. Louis, MO
6721	0-6-0	Alco 1913	Union Station, Utica, NY

Electric

Locomotive	Type	Builder	Location
100	S-1 Electric	Alco/GE	Albany NY
113	S-Motor Electric	Alco/GE	Museum of Transportation, St. Louis, MO
115	S-Motor Electric	Alco/GE	Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL
278	T3A Electric	Alco/GE	Albany NY

Selected Diesels

Locomotive	Type	Builder	Location
683	SW1	EMD	Leona WI
2500	U25B	GE	Lakeshore RR museum, North East, PA
3805	RF16 Shark	Baldwin	Wells, MI
3816	RF16 Shark	Baldwin	Wells, MI
4068	E8	EMD	Medina Railroad Museum, Medina NY
4080	E8	EMD	Medina Railroad Museum, Medina NY
4070	E8	EMD	Bellview, OH
4076	E8	EMD	URHS of NJ
4083	E8	EMD	URHS of NJ
4085	E8	EMD	Elkhart, IN
8255	RS3	Alco	Midland Railway in Baldwin, Kansas
8905	SW7	EMD	Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
9905	SW7	EMD	Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
9618	SW8	EMD	Strasburg Railroad
9339	S1	Alco	Whitewater Valley Railroad, Connersville, IN

Riding The Line

Amtrak’s Lake Shore limited follows the route of the New York Centrals 20^th Century Limited

Amtrak Train Name	Lake Shore Limited
End Point Stations	Chicago, New York City
Closest Airport to Chicago Union Station	Midway
Closest Airport to Grand Central Terminal New York	La Guardia
Number of hours of travel	19 hours
Time train leaves Chicago	9:30 PM Central Time
Time Train leaves New York	3:40 PM Eastern Time
Cost of a coach seat	$112.00
Other services and upgrades available	Viewliner roomette Viewliner Bedroom Viewliner Bedroom Suite Viewliner Accessible Bedroom Flexible Dining Cafe Service