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New Hampshire Interurbans and Streetcar Railroads

The information included here covers a general history of New Hampshire interurbans and streetcar railroads once operated throughout the state. Interurban systems were once a common form of transportation for many towns both large and small although they began to fall out of favor in the 1930s and 1940s for the common automobile as its technology and better highways became vastly improved and more reliable. While interurbans served a vital transportation purpose prior to reliable autos and highways from a historical perspective they are fascinating because of many small companies that popped up and also disappeared nearly overnight. During the peak of interurban operations in the country there were even several builders of motorcars including J. G. Brill & Company, St. Louis Car Company, Pullman-Standard, American Car Company, Standard Steel and the Jewett Car Company.

The information below includes short paragraph descriptions of most New Hampshire interurbans and streetcar railroads.

Berlin Street Railway: The Berlin Street Railway, as its name implies served the City of Berlin. It began operations in 1898 and operated streetcars until 1938 when the service was discontinued.

Claremont Railway: The Claremont Railway served the City of Claremont and operated streetcars until 1932. However, the railroad also provided freight services, which continue on to this day. During its electrified years the Claremont Railway used electric motors but it has long since scrapped these in favor of diesel locomotives.

Exeter, Hampton & Amesbury Street Railway: The Exeter, Hampton & Amesbury Street Railway took over the operations of the Exeter Street Railway in 1899, a system that was incorporated just two years prior in 1897. It operated under a number of different owners (New Hampshire Traction Company, New Hampshire Electric Railways and the Exeter Railway & Lighting Company) during the company's existence but always retained its original name. Streetcar service lasted until 1924 when it was discontinued.

Laconia Street Railway: The Laconia Street Railway served the City of Laconia. It began operations in 1882 and provided streetcar service until 1926 when it was discontinued.

Manchester Street Railway: The Manchester Street Railway served the cities of Manchester and Nashua. It began operations in 1899 taking over the property of the Manchester Horse Railroad, which had its roots dating back to 1871. It remained the Manchester Street Railway until 1925 when it became known as the Manchester Traction Light & Power Company, and then a year later was purchased by the Public Service Company of New Hampshire. Streetcar service lasted until 1940 when it was discontinued in favor of buses.

Nashua Street Railway: The Nashua Street Railway served the City of Nashua. It was the only interurban railroad to serve the town and began operations in 1886, providing passenger service until 1932 when it was abandoned.

Uncanoonuc Incline Railway: The Uncanoonuc Incline Railway was a unique interurban railroad operation. It began operations in June of 1907 operating from a connection with the Manchester Street Railway at Shirley Junction to a station based at the bottom of the bottom of a nearby mountain. From there it operated an incline railway to the Uncanoonuc Hotel, which provided a spectacular view into the surrounding states of Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts (not to mention the Atlantic Ocean itself). The railway operated into the 1940s when it was finally abandoned. For more information on this railway please click here.

Other Notable New Hampshire interurbans and streetcar railroads:

Berlin-Gorham Street Railway

Concord Electric Railway

For a small gallery of photographs highlighting New Hampshire interurbans and streetcar railroads please click here.

For more reading on New Hampshire interurbans consider picking up a copy of the book The Electric Interurban Railways in America by authors George Hilton and John Due. Many consider their book to be the quintessential resource guide to the interurban and streetcar movement that was once so common in our country during the first half of the 20th century. At nearly 500 pages the book is stuffed full of information on trolley operations and covers virtually every topic on the subject. If you have any interest in trolleys and interurban railroads and/or would like to learn more about their history I would strongly consider Mr. Hilton and Mr. Due's book first before purchasing any other.

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