The Eastern Rail-road Company to 1855

Compared with the great inter-regional networks, the Eastern Railroad did not loom large. Its creation, however, is an integral part of New England history and well worthy of inclusion in any first chapter of American railroading history. The development pattern is one of piece-meal extension from several population centers, the linking of the segments, and the proliferation of branch lines. External difficulties took the shape of competition from stage and boat lines, and the rivalry of the fledgling Boston & Maine. Internally, the chief problems revolved around establishment of an effective management organization and the maintenance of adequate financial controls. Threading a populous route from Boston to Portland, Eastern's future seemed bright. Yet, in a faint foreshadowing of events of a far later day, main-line profits were swallowed up by operation of branch connections built or acquired with more enthusiasm than foresight and, once acquired, not easily disowned.