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The Wilmington and Western Railroad was chartered in 1867 and began to offer freight and passenger service in 1872 between Wilmington, Delaware, and Landenberg, Pennsylvania. Over the years, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad branch faced increasing
financial difficulties, and by the 1960s, it had dwindled to a limited freight operation. At this time, a dedicated group of volunteers revived the railroad and incorporated their growing organization
as Historic Red Clay Valley. The present-day Wilmington and Western Railroad owns 10.2 miles of the Landenberg Branch and operates between Greenbank Station and Hockessin. It offers steam- and diesel-powered tourist trains along its scenic tracks and
provides an educational and entertaining glimpse back in time while preserving part of the rich history of the Red Clay Valley.
About the author
Auth or Gisela Vazquez was born in Venezuela and currently residesin Wilmington, Delaware. She has a background in mechanical engineering and spends most of her free time volunteering at the Wilmington and Western Railroad as a ticket agent, conductor, fireman, student diesel engineer, student steam fireman, and track worker. She especially enjoys working at the railroad maintenance yard shops. The archival material Gisela collected from the Wilmington and Western Railroad portrays the activities and individuals that keep the railroad alive and able to fulfill its purpose.
