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{{Infobox rail accident|name=Hartford Railroad Disaster|date=February 5, 1887|time=2:10 a.m. ] (])|location=], ]|coordinates={{Coord|43|40|54|N|72|23|38|W|type:event_region:US-VT|display=inline,title}}|country=]|line=Montreal Express|operator=]|type=]|cause=Broken rail|trains=1|passengers=100 (estimated)|deaths=37 confirmed; possibly up to 60|injuries=Dozens (exact number unknown)|pushpin_map=USA Vermont|pushpin_map_caption=Location of the derailment|image_map=|image=Unfallstelle Hartford 1887 von Süden.jpg|caption=View of the accident site from the south.}} {{Infobox rail accident|name=Hartford Railroad Disaster|date=February 5, 1887|time=2:10 a.m. ] (])|location=], ]|coordinates={{Coord|43|40|54|N|72|23|38|W|type:event_region:US-VT|display=inline,title}}|country=]|line=Montreal Express|operator=]|type=]|cause=Broken rail|trains=1|passengers=100 (estimated)|deaths=37 confirmed; possibly up to 60|injuries=Dozens (exact number unknown)|pushpin_map=USA Vermont|pushpin_map_caption=Location of the derailment|image_map=|image=Unfallstelle Hartford 1887 von Süden.jpg|caption=View of the accident site from the south.}}


The '''1887 Hartford Railroad Disaster''', also known as the '''West Hartford Bridge Disaster''', occurred on February 5, 1887, near ], ]. It remains the deadliest train accident in Vermont’s history, resulting in the deaths of approximately 37 individuals and injuring around 50 others.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal |last=Ferguson |first=J. A. |date=2013 |title=The Wrong Rail in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time: The 1887 West Hartford Bridge Disaster |url=https://vermonthistory.org/journal/81/VHS8101TheWrongRail.pdf |journal=Vermont History |volume=81 |issue=1 |pages=52–74 |access-date=December 22, 2024}}</ref> The '''1887 Hartford Railroad Disaster''', also known as the '''West Hartford Bridge Disaster''', occurred on February 5, 1887, near ], ]. It remains the deadliest train accident in Vermont's history, resulting in the deaths of approximately 37 individuals and injuring around 50 others.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal |last=Ferguson |first=J. A. |date=2013 |title=The Wrong Rail in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time: The 1887 West Hartford Bridge Disaster |url=https://vermonthistory.org/journal/81/VHS8101TheWrongRail.pdf |journal=Vermont History |volume=81 |issue=1 |pages=52–74 |access-date=December 22, 2024}}</ref>


== Background == == Background ==
In the late 19th century, rail travel was becoming increasingly popular in the United States, but safety standards were still evolving. The ] operated the Montreal Express, which was carrying a full load of passengers that night. Many were en route to a ] in ], and the train had already fallen behind schedule, prompting the engineer to drive at higher speeds to make up for lost time. The weather that night was severe, with temperatures plummeting to {{Convert|-18|F|C}}.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-04 |title=Fire and Ice: The Hartford Railroad Disaster – Obscure Vermont |url=https://obscurevermont.com/fire-and-ice-the-hartford-railroad-disaster/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=William |date=2023-02-20 |title=Haunting and Tragic Tale of Vermont’s Worst Railroad Disaster |url=https://www.vermonter.com/haunted-railroad-bridge/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Vermont's Very Best - Haunted Vermont, Folklore & much more... |language=en-US}}</ref> The ] operated the Montreal Express, which consisted of one baggage and express car combined, one mail and smoker car combined, two ordinary passenger cars, and two ] sleeping cars—the "Pilgrim" and the "St. Albans.”<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=1887-02-09 |title=Terrible Railway Disaster — Hartford, VT |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vermont-watchman-terrible-railway-di/161533925/ |access-date=2024-12-25 |work=The Vermont Watchman |pages=5}}</ref>

The train was estimated to be carrying between 85 and 90 passengers on the night of the accident.<ref name=":6" /> Many were en route to a ] in ], and the train had already fallen behind schedule, prompting the engineer to drive at higher speeds to make up for lost time. The weather that night was severe, with temperatures plummeting to {{Convert|-18|F|C}}.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-04 |title=Fire and Ice: The Hartford Railroad Disaster – Obscure Vermont |url=https://obscurevermont.com/fire-and-ice-the-hartford-railroad-disaster/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=William |date=2023-02-20 |title=Haunting and Tragic Tale of Vermont's Worst Railroad Disaster |url=https://www.vermonter.com/haunted-railroad-bridge/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Vermont's Very Best - Haunted Vermont, Folklore & much more... |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Incident == == Incident ==
]''.]] ]''.]]
At approximately 2:10 AM, as the train approached the ], a broken rail about 200 feet from the ] caused a catastrophic failure. The coupling between the last ] and the remaining cars snapped, causing several cars to derail and fall off the bridge. The engine and some cars successfully crossed over, but four cars—two sleeper cars and two day coaches—plummeted approximately 45 feet onto the ice-covered river below. Many passengers were trapped inside as the wooden cars ignited from overturned coal-burning stoves and oil lamps.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vermont’s Haunted Railroad Bridge {{!}} The Yankee Express |url=https://www.theyankeexpress.com/2024/08/06/500851/vermont-s-haunted-railroad-bridge |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.theyankeexpress.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Vermont Central Wreck of 1887 |url=http://www.celebrateboston.com/disasters/vermont-central-wreck-1887.htm |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.celebrateboston.com}}</ref> At approximately 2:10&nbsp;a.m., as the train approached the ], a catastrophic failure occurred. The engine, along with the combined baggage, express, mail, and smoking cars, successfully passed over the bridge. However, the two sleepers and two passenger cars derailed. Upon reaching the bridge, they broke away from the forward portion of the train and plunged approximately 40 feet onto the ice-covered White River.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1887-02-09 |title=Terrible Railway Disaster — Hartford, VT |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vermont-watchman-terrible-railway-di/161533925/ |access-date=2024-12-25 |work=The Vermont Watchman |pages=5}}</ref> Many passengers were trapped inside as the wooden cars ignited from overturned coal-burning stoves and oil lamps. The bridge was also set ablaze by the burning cars.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vermont's Haunted Railroad Bridge {{!}} The Yankee Express |url=https://www.theyankeexpress.com/2024/08/06/500851/vermont-s-haunted-railroad-bridge |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.theyankeexpress.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Vermont Central Wreck of 1887 |url=http://www.celebrateboston.com/disasters/vermont-central-wreck-1887.htm |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.celebrateboston.com}}</ref>


== Rescue efforts ==
Charles H. Pierce, the train's engineer, and Frank Thresher, the fireman, were among the first to reach the wreckage. They, along with other railroad employees and passengers from the undamaged cars, immediately began rescue efforts. They broke windows, removed debris, and helped pull survivors from the burning wreckage.<ref name=":6" />

⚫ Local residents and emergency crews also arrived to assist survivors. However, extreme cold hampered efforts; many victims suffered from ] or ] before help could reach them. Nearby homes were converted into makeshift hospitals for the injured.<ref name=":0" />

Despite these efforts, only a few bodies could be recovered from the wreckage due to the severity of injuries and conditions on-site. Many victims were burned beyond recognition, making identification extremely difficult.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

== Casualties and aftermath ==
Initial estimates of casualties varied widely, but it is generally accepted that around 37 people died, with some reports suggesting that as many as 50 to 60 lives were lost due to injuries or subsequent fires.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=West Hartford (Woodstock) Bridge Disaster |url=https://www.structuremag.org/article/west-hartford-woodstock-bridge-disaster/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Celone |first=Dave |date=2023-02-05 |title=White River's Train Disaster |url=https://uppervalleyvtnh.substack.com/p/white-rivers-train-disaster |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Upper Valley VT/NH Musings}}</ref> Initial estimates of casualties varied widely, but it is generally accepted that around 37 people died, with some reports suggesting that as many as 50 to 60 lives were lost due to injuries or subsequent fires.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=West Hartford (Woodstock) Bridge Disaster |url=https://www.structuremag.org/article/west-hartford-woodstock-bridge-disaster/ |access-date=2024-12-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Celone |first=Dave |date=2023-02-05 |title=White River's Train Disaster |url=https://uppervalleyvtnh.substack.com/p/white-rivers-train-disaster |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=Upper Valley VT/NH Musings}}</ref>


== Rescue efforts == == Investigation ==
On February 7, 1887, two days after the accident, the Vermont Railway Commission opened an investigation. The investigation was led by ] ] and included the former ], ]. The inquiry focused on the condition of the rails, as evidence suggested that a fractured rail caused the derailment.<ref name=":0" />
⚫ Local residents and emergency crews rushed to assist survivors. However, extreme cold hampered efforts; many victims suffered from ] or ] before help could reach them. Nearby homes were converted into makeshift hospitals for the injured. Despite these efforts, only a few bodies could be recovered from the wreckage due to the severity of injuries and conditions on-site.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

Professor Robert Fletcher, the head of the engineering department of ], conducted an examination of the track leading to the bridge. He found that three rails showed visible signs of defects in material and construction. He theorized that an axle on the "Pilgrim" car broke, causing its derailment, and that it was the only car to leave the track until the bridge was reached.<ref name=":6" />

However, J.W. Hobart, the General Manager of the Central Vermont Railroad, stated that the rails were manufactured in England by John Brown and had been in constant use for 16 years without exhibiting defects. He added that rails of the same manufacture had been in use at St. Albans for 23 years with minimal wear.<ref name=":6" />

The commission ultimately concluded that the defect in the rail could not have been detected prior to the accident.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />


== Aftermath and impact == == Aftermath and impact ==
The Hartford Railroad Disaster prompted significant changes in ] regulations across the United States. Investigations revealed deficiencies in both train maintenance and operational protocols. As a direct result of this disaster, railroads began phasing out coal and ] systems in favor of ] generated by ]. Additionally, new safety legislation was introduced at both state and federal levels aimed at improving railroad safety standards.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Disastrous Train Wreck Historical Marker |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=64891 |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.hmdb.org |language=en}}</ref> The Hartford Railroad Disaster prompted significant changes in ] regulations across the United States. Investigations revealed deficiencies in both train maintenance and operational protocols. As a direct result of this disaster, railroads began phasing out coal and ] systems in favor of ] generated by ]s. Additionally, new safety legislation was introduced at both state and federal levels aimed at improving railroad safety standards.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Disastrous Train Wreck Historical Marker |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=64891 |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.hmdb.org |language=en}}</ref>

The disaster also had significant financial implications for the Central Vermont Railroad. The damage to rolling stock was estimated at $30,000 (${{Inflation|index=USD|value=30000|start_year=1887|r=0|fmt=c|cursign=$}} in 2023), and rebuilding the bridge was expected to cost between $20,000 and $30,000.<ref name=":6" />


== Memorials == == Memorials ==
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== References == == References ==
<references /> <references />
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Latest revision as of 07:20, 28 December 2024

Hartford Railroad Disaster
View of the accident site from the south.
1887 Hartford Railroad Disaster is located in Vermont1887 Hartford Railroad DisasterLocation of the derailment
Details
DateFebruary 5, 1887
2:10 a.m. EST (UTC−5)
LocationWest Hartford, Vermont
Coordinates43°40′54″N 72°23′38″W / 43.68167°N 72.39389°W / 43.68167; -72.39389
CountryUnited States
LineMontreal Express
OperatorVermont Central Railroad
Incident typeDerailment
CauseBroken rail
Statistics
Trains1
Passengers100 (estimated)
Deaths37 confirmed; possibly up to 60
InjuredDozens (exact number unknown)

The 1887 Hartford Railroad Disaster, also known as the West Hartford Bridge Disaster, occurred on February 5, 1887, near Hartford, Vermont. It remains the deadliest train accident in Vermont's history, resulting in the deaths of approximately 37 individuals and injuring around 50 others.

Background

The Vermont Central Railroad operated the Montreal Express, which consisted of one baggage and express car combined, one mail and smoker car combined, two ordinary passenger cars, and two Pullman sleeping cars—the "Pilgrim" and the "St. Albans.”

The train was estimated to be carrying between 85 and 90 passengers on the night of the accident. Many were en route to a circus in Montreal, and the train had already fallen behind schedule, prompting the engineer to drive at higher speeds to make up for lost time. The weather that night was severe, with temperatures plummeting to −18 °F (−28 °C).

Incident

Illustration of the disaster in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper.

At approximately 2:10 a.m., as the train approached the West Hartford Bridge, a catastrophic failure occurred. The engine, along with the combined baggage, express, mail, and smoking cars, successfully passed over the bridge. However, the two sleepers and two passenger cars derailed. Upon reaching the bridge, they broke away from the forward portion of the train and plunged approximately 40 feet onto the ice-covered White River. Many passengers were trapped inside as the wooden cars ignited from overturned coal-burning stoves and oil lamps. The bridge was also set ablaze by the burning cars.

Rescue efforts

Charles H. Pierce, the train's engineer, and Frank Thresher, the fireman, were among the first to reach the wreckage. They, along with other railroad employees and passengers from the undamaged cars, immediately began rescue efforts. They broke windows, removed debris, and helped pull survivors from the burning wreckage.

Local residents and emergency crews also arrived to assist survivors. However, extreme cold hampered efforts; many victims suffered from frostbite or hypothermia before help could reach them. Nearby homes were converted into makeshift hospitals for the injured.

Despite these efforts, only a few bodies could be recovered from the wreckage due to the severity of injuries and conditions on-site. Many victims were burned beyond recognition, making identification extremely difficult.

Casualties and aftermath

Initial estimates of casualties varied widely, but it is generally accepted that around 37 people died, with some reports suggesting that as many as 50 to 60 lives were lost due to injuries or subsequent fires.

Investigation

On February 7, 1887, two days after the accident, the Vermont Railway Commission opened an investigation. The investigation was led by Lieutenant Governor Levi K. Fuller and included the former governor of Vermont, Samuel Pingree. The inquiry focused on the condition of the rails, as evidence suggested that a fractured rail caused the derailment.

Professor Robert Fletcher, the head of the engineering department of Dartmouth College, conducted an examination of the track leading to the bridge. He found that three rails showed visible signs of defects in material and construction. He theorized that an axle on the "Pilgrim" car broke, causing its derailment, and that it was the only car to leave the track until the bridge was reached.

However, J.W. Hobart, the General Manager of the Central Vermont Railroad, stated that the rails were manufactured in England by John Brown and had been in constant use for 16 years without exhibiting defects. He added that rails of the same manufacture had been in use at St. Albans for 23 years with minimal wear.

The commission ultimately concluded that the defect in the rail could not have been detected prior to the accident.

Aftermath and impact

The Hartford Railroad Disaster prompted significant changes in railroad safety regulations across the United States. Investigations revealed deficiencies in both train maintenance and operational protocols. As a direct result of this disaster, railroads began phasing out coal and kerosene heating systems in favor of steam heat generated by locomotives. Additionally, new safety legislation was introduced at both state and federal levels aimed at improving railroad safety standards.

The disaster also had significant financial implications for the Central Vermont Railroad. The damage to rolling stock was estimated at $30,000 ($1,017,333 in 2023), and rebuilding the bridge was expected to cost between $20,000 and $30,000.

Memorials

A historical marker near the site of the disaster commemorates the event, providing information about the incident and its impact on railway safety reforms.

See also

References

  1. ^ Ferguson, J. A. (2013). "The Wrong Rail in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time: The 1887 West Hartford Bridge Disaster" (PDF). Vermont History. 81 (1): 52–74. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  2. ^ "Terrible Railway Disaster — Hartford, VT". The Vermont Watchman. 1887-02-09. p. 5. Retrieved 2024-12-25.
  3. ^ "Fire and Ice: The Hartford Railroad Disaster – Obscure Vermont". 2024-03-04. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  4. ^ Alexander, William (2023-02-20). "Haunting and Tragic Tale of Vermont's Worst Railroad Disaster". Vermont's Very Best - Haunted Vermont, Folklore & much more... Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  5. "Terrible Railway Disaster — Hartford, VT". The Vermont Watchman. 1887-02-09. p. 5. Retrieved 2024-12-25.
  6. "Vermont's Haunted Railroad Bridge | The Yankee Express". www.theyankeexpress.com. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  7. ^ "Vermont Central Wreck of 1887". www.celebrateboston.com. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  8. "West Hartford (Woodstock) Bridge Disaster". Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  9. ^ Celone, Dave (2023-02-05). "White River's Train Disaster". Upper Valley VT/NH Musings. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
  10. ^ "Disastrous Train Wreck Historical Marker". www.hmdb.org. Retrieved 2024-12-22.
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