The Cambridge & Seaford Railroad

Cambridge & Seaford Railroad Stock No. 37 from 1890, Jim Bowden collection

The Delaware Railroad reached Seaford on November 30, 1856. It wasn't until June 24, 1867, that the Delaware Railroad Board authorizes a branch from Seaford to meet the Dorchester & Delaware Railroad (D&DRR) at the Maryland state line and arranging a lease of the D&DRR. The Delaware Railroad loans the D&DRR sufficient capital to complete its 27-mile line to Cambridge, MD. On April 11, 1868, the Delaware Railroad begins laying track at Seaford, DE towards the Maryland state line. On November 1868, the Dorchester Branch of Delaware Railroad opens between Seaford, DE and the Maryland state line near Oakgrove, MD to link with Dorchester & Delaware Railroad. On November 8, 1869, the first service over the entire line between Seaford, DE & Cambridge, MD was operated by the D&DRR. The total cost to build the railroad amounted to $300,000.00 (that's $5,228,310.00 in 2015 dollars). The line was constructed with 50 lbs. rail. Unfortunately, during one of the first trips, a train struck & killed several pigs & a cow owned by a “Mr. Hurley” near Cambridge, MD. The citizens of Cambridge contributed $50.00 (that's $871.39 in 2015 dollars) to make up for Mr. Hurley's loss. There are two Delaware Railroad stations along the line: Flowertown, DE and State Line (Oak Grove, DE).

By 1882, the fortunes of the D&DRR were playing-out. On May 3, 1882, the Cambridge & Seaford Railroad (C&SRR) is incorporated in Maryland for purpose for reorganizing the D&DRR. On November 23, 1882, the D&DRR enters receivership. Samuel M. Felton (1809-1889) and, the railroad's former President, W. (William) Wilson Byrn (1811-1886), are both named Receivers. On November 28, 1882, the D&DRR is attempted to be sold at foreclosure at Cambridge, MD, for $22,000.00 (that's $511,627.91 in 2015 dollars). It ends up being insufficient and the sale is canceled. On December 30, 1882, the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad (PW&B) Board authorizes purchasing 532 shares of the D&DRR at $30.00/share (that's $697.67/share in 2015 dollars). On January 3, 1883, the D&DRR is sold at foreclosure at Cambridge, MD for $51,000.00 (that's $1,214,285.71 in 2015 dollars) to Richard D. Barclay on behalf of the PW&B. On April 27, 1883, the PW&B's President Isaac Hinckley (1815-1888) announces the Maryland courts have approved purchase of the D&DRR. On May 16, 1883, the C&SRR is organized at Cambridge, MD. The PW&B's President, Isaac Hinckley (1815-1888), is elected President of the C&SRR. Either on May 16, 1883, or May 25, 1883 (there's a conflict as to the exact date), a certificate is filed for the C&SRR. The PW&B agrees to operate as agent.

On June 1, 1883, the PW&B begins operating C&SRR as agent under agreement of either May 16, 1883 or May 25, 1883. The C&SRR becomes part of PW&B's Delaware Division. By December 1898, the PW&B Board enters an agreement with the Queen Anne's & Kent Railroad, the C&SRR, and the Delaware & Chesapeake Railway to be merged into the Delaware Railroad. On January 23, 1899, the Queen Anne's & Kent Railroad, the C&SRR, and the Delaware & Chesapeake Railway are all merged into Delaware Railroad under agreement of December 31, 1898.