On Memorial Day weekend, the Downeast Scenic Railroad will commence operations about 40 miles southeast of Bangor, Maine. The schedule this year allows for runs all through the summer on weekends and holidays through Columbus Day in October. There will be two round trip rail excursions every Saturday and Sunday between the Maine town of Ellsworth, Ellsworth Falls and Washington Junction. Riding this historic railroad provides scenic views of glacial boulders, spectacular river crossings, great views of wetland marshes and indigenous wildlife. The entire round trip takes about 90 minutes.
Some History About the Maine Shore Line Railroad
In 1884, the Main Shore Line Railroad was completed from Brewer to Washington Junction. Along with the financial backing of the Maine Central Railroad, Colonel John N. Greene built this historic rail line. The Mount Desert Limited carried the wealthy and famous to summer resorts on Mount Desert Island. Later named the Bar Harbor Express, this railroad became the premier passenger rail line in New England at that time. Through the tireless efforts of volunteers and financial supporters, this historic rail line has been restored over the past several years.
The Original Calias Line
After 1911, the Bar Harbor Branch of the Maine Central Railroad was combined with the Washington County Railroad. The entire length of the combined railroads now stretched over 126 miles between Brewer to Calais. The new line was known as the Calais Branch of the Maine Central Railroad. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this rail line ran seven scheduled trains every day, seven days a week in the summer months. These busy tracks were known to provide such a smooth ride for passengers that the railroad guaranteed "not one drop of coffee or champagne" would be spilled.
The End of the Line
In the early 1930s, an automobile bridge was built connecting the resorts on Mount Desert Island with the mainland. By that time, more and more people were driving their own cars and the need for railroads was declining. The steamer ships and that particular section of the Bar Harbor Express rail line finally ceased operation in the autumn of 1931. The remaining rail line still operated between Bar Harbor and Ellsworth until 1957 when service was finally discontinued. By that time, automobiles and airplanes were the preferred means of travel.
Volunteer and be a Part of Railroad History
Today, the Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust and the Downeast Scenic Railroad Project need volunteers to ensure this historic railroad is restored. Those folks living in the Bar Harbor, Maine area and dream of working on the railroad as a brakeman, conductor or railcar attendant should contact the Downeast Scenic Railroad offices at 1-866-449-RAIL or visit the volunteer section of the website. The railroad also needs volunteer track crews to work on maintenance of way as well as individuals to assist in the continued restoration of several passenger rail cars.
Mark Oehlert - Mark has 50 years life experience (wisdom comes with age, right?) and over 28 years experience writing copy for ads, articles, marketing ...
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