QUEEN ANNE'S RAILROAD

In February 1895, the Delaware legislature authorized the Queen Anne's Railroad, a Maryland corporation formed the previous year, to extend its lines across the state to Lewes. Their goal was to establish a direct link between Baltimore and the coast. The western terminus was at Queenstown, Maryland, with connections from there to Baltimore via steamship. The eastern terminus provided travelers with access to the Rehoboth resort via rail, and steamship connection with Cape May, New Jersey. This was the last major railroad built on the Delmarva peninsula.

Over forty years had passed since the first of several unsuccessful efforts to bring a railway to Milton. On August 29, 1897, the first passenger train arrived here, to be greeted by a majority of the residents of the town and surrounding countryside. A station was erected on this site in October of that year. Regular passenger and mail service was provided, and a wide variety of freight was shipped and received. For many years Milton was noted for the export of holly and other seasonal greenery to northern cities.

In 1905 the Queen Anne's Railroad was purchased by a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad. By the mid-1920's limited profits and competition with other lines owned by the company led to a decision to abandon a large portion of the old railway. Facing that prospect, the Denton to Lewes section was purchased by the Maryland & Delaware Coast Railway. This effort proved to be largely unsuccessful, and passenger service was discontinued in October 1931. Once again slated for abandonment, the Ellendale to Milton line was purchased in 1934 for the purpose of continuing a freight link to the town via rail. It would become the last significant operable section of the Old Queen Anne's Railroad.

For too short of a period, the Queen Anne's Railroad was converted into a dining car with a 2½ hour Murder Mystery play on board the ride from Lewes to Harbeson and return. Sadly, Queen Anne's Railroad is no more, and the state allows the building to rot by the tracks (the property is owned by the State of Delaware) instead of using it. A great alternative to those who miss the days of Queen Anne's Railroad is the Wilmington & Western Railroad offering very affordable rides, theme rides, and dinner rides. W&W Railroad is the last of its kind in Delaware today.

Good luck on this week's contest!

Photos were taken by Lewes Realty, Inc. staff and are copyrighted by LRI.
Information for this week's contest was obtained at http://www.state.de.us/sos/dpa/markers/sc/QUEEN%20ANNES%20RAILROAD%20SC%20116.shtml
Use of photos are only by written permission only.