Springfield Terminal Railway (Vermont)

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The Springfield Electric Railway, affectionately referred to as the Toonerville Trolley, was an electric trolley system that operated in the town of Springfield, Vermont. The railway, which later became the Springfield Terminal Railway, was initially funded by the town in 1896 with the aim of establishing connections to the railroads passing through Charlestown, New Hampshire, across the Connecticut River.^[1][2] Eventually, the Boston and Maine Railroad gained control of the railway.^[1][2] While the trolley service ceased operations in 1947, making it the longest-running trolley in the state at that time, freight usage of the tracks ended in 1984.^[1][2] The Springfield Terminal name continues to exist as a subsidiary of Pan Am Railways which is now owned by CSX.^[1][2]

The river's falls in downtown Springfield played a significant role in the area's mill boom during the 19th century and attracted businesses to relocate. Notably, the Jones & Lamson Machine Co. emerged from this era and gained worldwide recognition as a toolmaker. This led to the establishment of Precision Valley, a hub of technological innovation in the early 20th century.^[3][1]