Boston and Providence Railroad Corporation - 1930's-40's dated Railway Stock Certificate

Railroad Stock printed by American Bank Note Company, New York & Boston. 2 vignettes that were used for this company as far back as the 1840's. Great lake scene, train on bridge scene to left. Nice in Green and Black.

The Boston and Providence Railroad was a railway enterprise that functioned in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, linking the cities of Boston and Providence. It commenced operations in two phases, first in 1834 and subsequently in 1835, making it one of the earliest railway lines established in the United States. In 1847, the company constructed a more direct route into Providence. Over time, additional branches were developed, including those to Dedham in 1834, Stoughton in 1845, and North Attleboro in 1871. In 1888, the railroad was acquired by the Old Colony Railroad, which was later leased to the New Haven Railroad in 1893. This line became the primary route to Boston for the New Haven Railroad. In 1899, the line was realigned in Boston to accommodate the construction of South Station. Furthermore, in 1916, grade crossings were eliminated in Pawtucket and Central Falls.

In 1969, the line became part of the Penn Central system. The Massachusetts segment was purchased by the state in 1973, while the Rhode Island segment was acquired by Amtrak in 1976. The line underwent electrification in 2000 and now constitutes the northernmost segment of Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, facilitating high-speed Acela Express service, intercity Northeast Regional service, and local service on the MBTA Commuter Rail Providence/Stoughton Line. In Boston, the rapid transit MBTA Orange Line shares the right-of-way for several miles within the Southwest Corridor, constructed in 1987. Additionally, the Stoughton Branch is utilized for Providence/Stoughton Line service, and the northern portion of the Dedham Branch serves the Needham Line.