New York Central Railroad

Definition

The New York Central Railroad was a major railroad operating in the Northeastern United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was known for its Water Level Route, which avoided the steep grades of other railroads through much of upstate New York.

Analogy

Think of the New York Central Railroad as a major highway system today, like Interstate 95. Just as I-95 connects many major cities on the East Coast and facilitates trade and travel, so did the NY Central Railroad in its time.

Related terms

Erie Canal: A man-made waterway in New York that connected Lake Erie to the Hudson River, facilitating trade and westward expansion.

Cornelius Vanderbilt: An American business magnate who built his wealth in railroads and shipping, including owning the New York Central Railroad.

Interstate Commerce Act (1887): This federal law sought to regulate railroad rates to ensure they were "reasonable and just," marking an early attempt at federal regulation of private industry.