The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1886-10-16
ANEW RAILROAD CONNECTION.
A Junction of the Western Maryland and HaI
riahur0 and potnYnac


SHIpPEYsBUG, October 11.-For some years
mast the Baltimore and Cumberland Valley
Branch of the Western Maryland Railroad
has had its terminus at this place; likewise
the Harrisburg and Potomac Railroad, whose
eastern terminus is at point within four
miles of the Susquchanna river. This road IS
owned by the Philadelphia and Reading Rail
road Company, and when completed to Ship
pensburg every arrangement was made to cross
the Cumberland Valley Railroad overhead,
by the erection of trestlework and emDank-
ments, with q view of connecting with the
Western Maryland's branch, west OF town.
The Reading getting into financial difficulties
stopped all further operations, SO that these
two roads, within almost a stones throw Of
one another, have been changing on the
ragged edge for some years.
One year ago General Hood, of the Western
MARYLAND Railroad, made survey through
this town to the Harrisburg and Potomac ter
minus, and had secured the right of way, as
well as receiving permission from the borough
authorities to cross the different streets and
alleys at grade. Everything at that time
seemed favorable for the contemplated con-
nection, but the Reading Company again
failed to come to time. General Hood, with
his usual energy, did not let the matter rest
at this, but was determined to carry the matter
through to completion, and succeeded In get
ting a final contract with the Reading people,
and last week all the n ecessary papers were
signed.
General Hood, with his chief engineer,
Matthews, was in town last week, and made
the final surveys and closed negotiations with
parties through whose lands the road will
pass, and work was begun this morning by
both the Western Maryland and the Harris
burg and Potomac Railroads. The work OF
building this link will not require more than
six to eight weeks, so that by New Years we
may be able to celebrate this event.
A neat passenger station will be built on
East Main street for the accommodation OF
the two roads, and close connections will be
made with all trains. The connection Of
these two roads will be bene6cial-both in
passenger and freight business-and our
citizens are well pleased at the contamination
of this long looked-for result.
At present the Western Maryland Station
is at their elevator on North Earl or Railroad
street, and the Harrisburg and Potomac on
South Penn street, distance of over one-hali
mile, and bringing these two roads together
will be great benefit to the travelling public,
and, at the same time, they will be nearer to
the Cumberland Valley Railroad Station.
Another advantage, it will give both roads
connection with the Cumberland valley hail,
road freight tracks, as the Harrisburg AND
Potomac Railroad own large freight and
grain elevator at this place, which is connected
with the Cumberland Valley system, and
operated by one of the largest grain and Goa
dealers in the valley.
Baltimore cannot fail to reap considerable
advantage from this connection, as the Har
risburg and Potomac Railroad traverses rich
country, and one of the largest iron furnaces
in the valley is located at Boiling Springs.