November marks a proud tribute to Nicholson’s illustrious railroad history, commemorating the dedication of the Clarks Summit–Hallstead Cut-off on Nov. 6, 1915, and its grand opening the following day. With its two world-famous bridges, this engineering marvel forever changed the landscape—and the destiny—of our town.
Yet long before this monumental achievement, the seeds of progress were already being sown. By the mid-1800s, northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal was in high demand, fueling industrial cities far beyond the horizon. As early as 1835, Scranton began surveying potential railroad routes, with ambitions stretching toward New York, Buffalo, and Philadelphia. Those dreams edged closer to reality in 1847, when the Erie Railroad reached Great Bend in Susquehanna County.
In 1849, the Leggett’s Gap Railroad was born—named for the rugged pass we now call the “Notch” between Providence and Chinchilla. Sixty miles of single track would soon connect Scranton to Great Bend, and Nicholson sat squarely in its path.
The terrain was unforgiving. Crews faced steep hills out of Scranton, a towering wooden trestle in Factoryville, a tunnel through Robert’s Hill, and a smaller trestle at Nicholson. To cross the Tunkhannock Creek, they built a bridge 78 feet above the water. At Great Bend, a wooden span 600 feet long was required to conquer the Susquehanna River.
Twelve hundred men labored six days a week, armed only with picks, shovels, horses, and oxen pulling scoops and plows. What they built wasn’t just track—it was a foundation for growth.
Nicholson’s station was the first structure erected along the line. Completed in 1850, it was more than a depot—it was the largest and most vital stop on the route, second only to Scranton in business and bustle. For decades, it stood as the town’s commercial heart.
Then came Oct. 15, 1851. The engine “Wyoming” thundered into Nicholson, pulling two coaches and three flatcars filled with eager passengers on the railroad’s maiden run. The celebration was electric. Homemade flags fluttered from porches and pastures. Locals climbed trees and hillsides for a glimpse—many had never seen a train before.
George W. Scranton, president of the railroad, addressed the crowd, hailing Nicholson’s new place in the world. Daily train service had arrived, and with it, a new chapter for our town.
And indeed—it did. To be continued next week…
Reminder: Nicholson Historic House Walking Tour – This Saturday! As part of our ongoing tribute to Nicholson’s historic homes, the Nicholson Sesquicentennial Committee invites you to a guided walking tour on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. (Rain Date: Sunday, Nov. 9) through portions of Oak, Water, Harding, and State Streets. We’ll gather at the corner of Oak and Main Streets to begin a leisurely stroll, celebrating the architecture, memories, and families that shaped our town. Come walk with us through time.
Also, on Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. there will be a presentation at the historic DL&W Station, “How Railroads Transformed Rural Nicholson.” All Aboard!
Join us Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at the Borough Building as we finalize plans for the remainder of Nicholson’s sesquicentennial year. All are welcome!