“They Came to the Mountains by Rail”
On July 9, 1873, a few miles to the west of here, was driven the “Golden Spike” completing the New York and Oswego Midland Railroad—later the New York, Ontario & Western (O & W).
This rail link opened up the interior of Sullivan County to millions in the New York Metropolitan area, eager to vacation amidst its natural beauty. Thus, tourism became a new and vital local industry, and remains so one century later.
The Route 17 Quickway here was built on the roadbed of the O & W.
Marker is on the Route 17 Quickway at the Roscoe Rest Area, 2.8 miles east of Exit 94 (Old Route 17), on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
