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New Hampshire Interurbans and Streetcar Railroads

(Please note that the photos here do not depict New Hampshire interurbans or streetcar systems.)

New Hampshire interurbans were not very common although the state was home to a handful of classic streetcar systems. These lines typified New England's interurban systems in general; rather small operations serving one or more nearby communities that were not very large. Additionally, their routes were usually filled with steep grades and sharp curves, even fore interurban standards making them not very conducive for freight service when it became realized that passenger traffic would be indefinitely sustainable (although the famed Claremont Railway was an exception to this rule and is still in operation as a shortline railroad today). One reason for their poorly engineered lines was the fact that many simply used the local highway systems for their right-of-way. While this provided for a cheap route that offered a very inexpensive upfront costs (as opposed to purchasing their own rights-of-way) it was extremely prohibitive in the long term.

There were two basic problems with highway rights-of-way: first, the interurban was forced to merely follow the contours of the road, which were certainly not constructed to railroad standards with sharp curves and steep grades; and second, being so close to vehicular traffic sometimes resulted in sideswipes and generally made operations rather unsafe although numerous companies used lines along the highway until their abandonment in the 1920s or 1930s. In any event, 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.

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.

Please Click Here To Return To The Main Interurbans Section

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. If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit the link below which will take you to ordering information through Amazon.com, the trusted online shopping network.

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