It’s Railroad History- The Mountain Division Through Crawford Notch

​In 1875, a rail line from Portland, Maine to Ogdensburg, New York was constructed to move freight and passengers across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.  The Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad eventually became owned and operated by the Maine Central RR, The St. Johnsbury & Lake Champlain RR and the Rutland RR.  The line through and over Crawford Notch was the most difficult and scenic part of the route.  
In 1984, the Maine Central discontinued operations over the “Mountain Division” from Portland to Whitefield, NH.  A short section of trackage was operated by a tourist railroad, known as the Conway Scenic RR.  Due to its popularity, Conway Scenic took on the task of expanding its operations to Bartlett, NH and eventually over Crawford Notch.  The first trains operated west of North Conway in 1993.
Today, Conway Scenic RR offers a variety of options for the tourist and railfans.  The popularity of the notch train as well as other trips can fulfill just about any railfans needs.
Please enjoy the following videos about the history of the “Mountain Division” and current operations on the Conway Scenic RR.  Tom Gallagher

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