Willimantic, Connecticut
Willimantic is a small town in the heart of Eastern Connecticut known as the “Thread City”. In the early 1800’s there were six cotton factories, making Willimantic the largest thread producer in the world.
In the mid 1800s, Willimantic became the junction for many New England railroads. It also became a station stop for the high-speed “White Train” passenger rail service between Boston and New York in the early 1890s. In the early 20th century, one could see up to 50 trains making their way through Willimantic daily.
Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum
Willimantic is home of the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum. This museum sits on the historical “Columbia Junction”, which is a part of the “Air Line” Route running between Boston and New York. This portion of the route was built by the New Haven, Middletown, and Willimantic Railroad in 1873, running 25 miles between Willimantic and Portland, CT. This line was abandoned back in 1965.
A few weekends ago, myself and some friends stopped by the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum. This museum is entirely operated by volunteers, and has came a long way since 1991. They reconstructed the 6 bay Columbia Junction Roundhouse on to its original foundation. The original turntable was scraped and removed around the end of 1930s, but the museum bought a replacement turntable from Edaville Railroad in South Carver, MA, in 1994. This 60-foot Armstrong Turntable can be operated by two people. Volunteers are also laying down track reforming Columbia Junction Yard and laying some track on the original “Air Line” right of way. Over the years the museums display has grown; with some displays bought or donated. The museum currently has locomotives, freight equipment, passenger coaches, cabooses, and railroad-related buildings on display.
During our visit, we were able to learn about Columbia Junction and its role in Willimantic history. Visitors can take a short train ride on a portion of the historical Air Line right-of-way; there is a lot to see and the volunteers are exceptionally knowledgeable about the equipment, buildings, and the local railroad history. I would recommend visiting the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum. I know we will be back!
Visiting the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum
55 Bridge St, Willimantic, CT 06226
Open Saturdays & Sundays
10:00am to 4:00pm
First Weekend in May through the Last Weekend of October
Railroad Scanner
466.1375
Today, you would only see a few freight trains traveling through Willimantic. The New England Central Railroad and Providence & Worcester Railroad often exchange freight here. The railroad yard is located in downtown between Riverside Dr and Pleasant St.; where you can get a great birds-eye view of the yard on the Willimantic Footbridge.
Great Place to Eat!
After visiting Museum, we made a stop at the Aero Diner, located on 361 Boston Post Road and North Windham, CT. This diner was built in 1958 by the Bramson Engineering Co. If you’re a fan of Diners make sure you plan a stop here. The food was great and they have amazing thick milkshakes.
