Morristown & Erie Railway - Early History

Early History

The modern Morristown & Erie can trace its roots to the original Whippany River Railroad, which was chartered in 1895, and hastily constructed to connect Morristown and Whippany. When the railroad defaulted on their bonds, paper mill owner Robert W. McEwan purchased the line from its creditors in 1896. Thanks to the numerous mills and other customers located along the line, the railroad enjoyed great success and was looking to expand. Interchange was established with the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad at Morristown.

Seeking a connection with the Erie Railroad, McEwan chartered the Whippany & Passaic River Railroad in 1902 to build a new line from Whippany to Essex Fells. Having access to two railroads meant that McEwan's customers could enjoy competitive shipping rates from both connections. On August 28, 1903, the Whippany River Railroad and the Whippany & Passaic River Railroad were combined into the new Morristown & Erie Railroad.

The M&E operated a modest passenger service, but increased competition due to improved roads and more people owning their own cars lead the railroad to cancel all passenger trains by 1928. The freight business continued to grow, however, as the mills along the line kept switch crews were kept busy around the clock.