1890 Ellis Broadside Map of Eastern Massachusetts and the Old Colony Railroad

This is an 1890 George H. Ellis broadside map of eastern Massachusetts and the Old Colony Line Railroad. The broadside promotes the Old Colony's service between Boston and Cape Cod, Newport, and Providence (along with numerous other cities and towns) and ferry service to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Thick lines highlight the Old Colony's rail network and cities and towns throughout. Thinner blue lines illustrate connecting railroads, such as the New York and New England Railroad and the New York, Providence, and Boston Railroad. Text informs on schedule changes intended to take effect on Monday, September 8, 1890.

The Old Colony Railroad

Founded in 1845, the Old Colony Railroad operated in southeastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island until 1893. Named after the 'Old Colony,' a reference to Plymouth, its network grew extensively through mergers and acquisitions. Old Colony operated both passenger and freight services, as well as steamship service to New York City. A steamer between Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket also operated from 1872. The New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad acquired the Old Colony trackage rights in 1893 and renamed it the 'Old Colony Division' of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad.

Publication History and Census

This map was printed by George H. Ellis in 1890. This is the only known surviving example.