Trains have been a part of the fabric of our nation for almost 200 years when the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad first incorporated in 1828. Railroads enabled the industrial revolution, brought jobs to those who needed it most, and played a major role in the Westward expansion of the US. By 1890, most railroads were brought into consolidated systems linking every major city. State and municipal governments often funded the maintenance of these lines, because without them – their city or town would not get needed goods or the inflow of people. Many of our current cities became big because of the railroad. Our current system was largely built by1910, and then trucks, automobiles, and then airplanes assisted with transporting goods and people and the railroad lines quieted down.

For years many railroad lines were collecting weeds instead of income. Recently, though, there is a resurgence in the use of railroads for commercial purposes. Railways are less expensive to all, safer for people on the roads, and less wear and tear on roads – which saves municipalities money. Lines which had lay dormant for decades, are now full throttle with trains passing through towns that are unprepared for the noise, speed, and safety issues that come with vibrant railroads. Now city, county, and state leaders must find ways to keep their citizens safe and again rely on the railroads for commercial goods purposes. The railways were built, the people came, now how do we work together for the betterment of our communities and America?

What is going on in your neighborhood with more active railways?