History TidbitsRailroads and Trolleys
Burnt Hills, Ballston Lake and Vicinity
The Saratoga/Schenectady area is rich in railroad and trolley history. One of the first railroads in the United States was built here in 1831 and soon the Capital District became a leader in railroad transportation. Many of the early innovations in electric transportation were pioneered by the General Electric Company and by the 1920s, a huge bustling interconnected interurban system existed.
The New York Central, the Delaware & Hudson and the Boston and Maine railroads all played a key role in developing the region. Electric interurbans such as the Schenectady Railway, the Hudson Valley Railway, the Fonda Johnstown & Gloversville and the Ballston Terminal also were part of this region's rich and colorful transportation history. Use the sub-navigation system above to learn more about these routes.
Local Railroad History Research
Treks "in the field" to document traces of the former railroad and trolley lines...
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Railroad
Trolley (Interurban)
Trains - Glimpses of Past Glory
Schenectady Train Station
More Photos of Local Railroad History ...
- Great Historical Photo of the Albany Riverfront
- First Train over Elevated Tracks, Schenectady
- Delaware and Hudson Railroad Station, Saratoga Springs
- Delaware & Hudson Building, Albany
- For a short time, there was a street level railroad crossing on the Northway! You can still of course see the old train station from just south of the Twin Bridges off to the side. Here is the story and PICs to prove it >
Uncovering the Trolley System
In recent visitis to the area, I have uncovered/discovered assorted remnants of various Trolley Lines and have continuously updated this site with photos "in the field" and maps and links to related info on other sites. Be sure to visit the links above (Schenectady Railway, Saratoga's Electric Railways, The Hudson Valley Railway, etc.), It's a fascinating revelation to see what still remains—and all too often, a sad reminder of how this chapter of our local history is so easily forgotten.
It turns out the Capital District area was criss-crossed by a large bustling interconnected interurban system. At is peak there where 100s of miles of track built and wired exclusively for electric trolleys that served the area's growing transportation needs.
Trolley Map
Detailed map showing various trolley companies in service in 1924.
The Trolley System - The Hudson Valley Railway
- The Hudson Valley Railway
Did you know the beautiful Saratoga Visitors Center was once the Saratoga Station for this railroad? - Hudson Valley Railway Map (Trolley Line)
- Front Street, Ballston Spa, New York Historical Photo
More Nearby Historical Trolley Lore
Ballston Spa - The D&H Abandoned Line through town and Iron Spring. New page > 
