Erie Railroad : Ask Biography

The Erie Railroad was a railroad that operated in New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, originally connecting New York City with Lake Erie. Its mainline route proved influential in the development and economic growth of the Southern Tier, including cities such as Binghamton, New York and Elmira, New York.

While the Erie enjoyed financial ups and downs, during the golden age of American railroads it was largely successful; as a consequence of its success it was able to extend itself westward to Cleveland, Ohio and Chicago.

In 1960 the Erie merged with the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad to form the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, becoming part of Conrail in 1976. In 1983, remnants of the line became part of New Jersey Transit rail operations, including its Main Line.