Pompton Plains station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pompton Plains
|
|||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Pompton Plains railroad station viewed from the track side in July 2017.
|
|||||||||||
| Location | 33 Evans Place, Pequannock Township, New Jersey 07444 | ||||||||||
| Owned by | Montclair Railway (1873–1878) New York and Greenwood Lake Railroad (1878–1943) Erie Railroad (1943–1960) Erie-Lackawanna Railway (1960–1966) Township of Pequannock (2010–present) |
||||||||||
| Line(s) | New York and Greenwood Lake Railway | ||||||||||
| Platforms | 1 side platform | ||||||||||
| Tracks | 2 | ||||||||||
| Construction | |||||||||||
| Platform levels | 1 | ||||||||||
| Other information | |||||||||||
| Station code | 1779 | ||||||||||
| History | |||||||||||
| Opened | January 1, 1873 | ||||||||||
| Closed | September 30, 1966 | ||||||||||
| Former services | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
Pompton Plains Railroad Station
|
|||||||||||
Pompton Plains station in August 2025.
|
|||||||||||
 Location in Morris County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
|
|||||||||||
| Nearest city | Pequannock Township, New Jersey | ||||||||||
| Area | less than one acre | ||||||||||
| Built | 1872 | ||||||||||
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival | ||||||||||
| NRHP reference No. | 08000136 | ||||||||||
| Significant dates | |||||||||||
| Added to NRHP | March 5, 2008 | ||||||||||
The Pompton Plains station was once a busy railroad stop in Pequannock Township, New Jersey. It served as a key part of the Erie Railroad's Greenwood Lake Division. This station helped people travel between different towns for many years.
The station had a single platform where passengers would wait for their trains. Trains from Pompton Plains traveled to places like Wanaque and Jersey City. In Jersey City, people could catch ferries to New York City. The station was located between the Pompton–Riverdale and Pequannock stations.
Contents
The Story of Pompton Plains Station
The Pompton Plains station has a long and interesting history. It started as a vital link for communities. Over time, its role changed, but it remains an important part of local history.
Early Days of the Railroad
Train service at Pompton Plains began way back in January 1873. It was part of a larger railroad line connecting Jersey City to Greenwood Lake and Sterling Forest, New York. This made travel much easier for people in the area.
In 1878, the station became part of the New York and Greenwood Lake Railroad. Later, in 1896, it joined the larger Erie Railroad system. A man named James R. Evans was the station agent for many years, starting in the 1870s.
Changes Over the Years
Over the years, the train routes and services changed. In 1935, trains stopped going all the way to Greenwood Lake. Instead, the service ended at Wanaque.
By October 1963, the station became part of a special shuttle line. This shuttle, run by the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad, traveled between Wanaque–Midvale and Mountain View station in Wayne.
End of Passenger Service
Sadly, passenger train service at Pompton Plains officially ended on September 30, 1966. This was due to several service cuts made by the Erie-Lackawanna Railroad. Even after passenger trains stopped, freight trains continued to use the tracks until the early 1980s.
A New Life for the Station
After the trains stopped, the station building found new purposes. For a while, it was used as a clothing consignment shop. Later, it became an insurance office.
From Station to Museum
In 2005, Pequannock Township bought the old station and its land. They worked to restore the building, bringing it back to its original look. By 2009, the restoration was complete. Today, the historic building serves as the Pequannock Township Museum. It helps people learn about the area's past.
The Rail Trail Project
In 2020, the land where the railroad tracks once ran was sold. Morris County bought this "right-of-way" from the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway. The county plans to turn this old railway path into a public rail trail. This means people will soon be able to walk or bike where trains once traveled.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its important history and unique architecture, the Pompton Plains Railroad Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 5, 2008. This special listing helps protect the station as a valuable part of our country's heritage.
See also
- Operating Passenger Railroad Stations Thematic Resource (New Jersey)
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Morris County, New Jersey
