Flood and Depression (1927-1940)

The flood of 1927 and the Great Depression had a significant impact on the railroad in Vermont.

The following timeline spans those years of economic hardship.

The flood of 1927 caused serious destruction along the rail lines. Some trains began running again in 1928.

A number of stations began to close during the 1920s and 1930s. A number of locomotives were sold off during the 1930s. The popularity of the automobile drained business from the railroads.

On February 1, 1932, virtually all passenger service between Essex Junction and Burlington was discontinued, and the Burlington Rapid Transit Bus Company began picking up business.

In 1933, the Woodstock Railroad discontinued service, and the engine house in Montpelier Junction closed.

The first ski train arrived in Waterbury in February 1934. A number of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) trains came through in the 1930s.

Significant damage was done to lines after the 1935 flood, particularly in Windsor, Sharon, Richmond, Bethel, North Duxbury, Braintree, and Brattleboro.

In 1935, new stockyards and sheds were constructed in St. Albans.

In 1936, the tracks to the Bethel quarries were abandoned.

1938 was one of the worst years in the history of the Vermont railroad. The Burlington & Lamoille Railroad was abandoned on June 16, 1938, and was immediately dismantled. On June 30, 1939, the track between Barre and Williamstown was abandoned. Much of the service between St. Albans and Richford was abandoned on November 11, 1939.