The Hoosac Tunnel Wilmington Railroad made its last run on August 2, 1971. Now, 38 years later, many who rode on, worked on, and loved the railroad are gone. As time passes and lifestyles change, things that were a vital part of one generation’s lives are often forgotten by the next.

The goal of this web site is to bring the HT&W back to life for those that remember and those that would like to know. I hope to not only document the railroad’s history, but to ensure that it’s  contribution to a remote region’s industries, towns and people is not forgotten.

Visit this site often as it takes a 100 year long journey through one of the most beautiful areas of New England. See with your own eyes how a little railroad, never exceeding 24 miles in length, brought industry to the Deerfield River valley, helped in the development of hydro electric power, ushered in the atomic age and then disappeared as the region slowly reverted back to near wilderness.

This web site will be updated periodically as historical data is collected and the author progresses in the writing of volume II of  “The Coming of the Train” series. If you have any photographs, documents, maps or ephemera relevant to the HT&W, the Deerfield River Railroad or industry and towns in the upper Deerfield River valley please contact  me so they may be considered for inclusion in future publications. Remember, those old pictures or postcards in Grandma’s attic may be important bits of history.  You do not have to give up any of your personal collection. All documents and photos will be scanned into the HT&W data base and the originals returned to you. However, by allowing me to scan your collection, you are granting me the right to publish it and to turn over the scanned material to local historical societies. Whenever possible, credit will be given for published photographs.

The journey begins with the publication of “The Coming of the Train”, Volume I, covering the period of 1870 to 1910. The publication was made possible through the cooperation of local historical societies and many individuals and corporate entities. I hope you enjoy this book that describes the early years of one of the great short line railroads.

- Brian A. Donelson