From the Erie Railroad to Alstom’s modern high-speed trains
By: Johanna Elattar
In the heart of New York’s Southern Tier, Hornell is a city with a rich and storied railroad history that has played an essential role in shaping its economic, social, and cultural landscape. Known once as the “Maple City” for its abundance of sugar maple trees, Hornell’s significance as a railroad hub has earned it the moniker “Railroad Town” — a title that resonates in its heritage and infrastructure to this day. The city’s connection to the railroad industry dates back to the mid-19th century and continues to influence its identity and economy.
Hornell’s railroad story begins with the Erie Railroad, one of the first major railroads in the United States. Chartered in 1832, the Erie Railroad was constructed to connect the Hudson River with Lake Erie, facilitating the movement of goods and people across the state of New York. By 1851, the Erie Railroad had reached Hornell, transforming the small farming community into a bustling transportation center. The arrival of the railroad attracted workers, industries, and entrepreneurs, who saw potential in the rapidly growing town.
Hornell became a significant repair and maintenance center for the Erie Railroad, with a massive railroad yard and repair shops that were among the largest in the country at the time. The Hornell Shops were a major employer, providing thousands of jobs in locomotive and railcar repair, and attracted people from across the country. This influx of workers led to a population boom and transformed Hornell into a diverse, vibrant town. The shops became so central to life in Hornell that generations of families worked there, building a legacy that would continue through the 20th century.
With the expansion of the Erie Railroad’s services, Hornell’s role as a transportation hub only grew. The city’s repair shops became critical for the maintenance of the railroad’s fleet, and as the Erie Railroad expanded westward, so did the demand for skilled workers in Hornell. By the early 1900s, the Hornell shops employed around 4,000 people, making it the largest employer in the area and a significant contributor to the regional economy. The Erie Railroad depot in Hornell became a bustling center, with thousands of passengers passing through each week, and local businesses thrived as they catered to the needs of railroad workers and travelers alike.
The economic growth fostered by the railroad industry led to the construction of infrastructure and public buildings that still stand today, such as the Hornell Public Library and City Hall. These structures, funded largely through the prosperity brought by the railroad, are a testament to the city’s once-thriving railroad industry.
The decline of Hornell’s railroad industry began in the mid-20th century as railroads across the United States faced financial difficulties. The rise of automobile travel and air transportation reduced the demand for passenger rail services, and the Erie Railroad struggled to remain profitable. In 1960, the Erie Railroad merged with the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad to form the Erie Lackawanna Railway, but financial challenges persisted. In 1976, the Erie Lackawanna Railway went bankrupt and was absorbed by Conrail, marking the end of an era for the city’s railroad shops and a significant blow to the Hornell economy.
As railroad jobs disappeared, Hornell faced a period of economic hardship. Many residents were forced to leave in search of work, and the city’s population dwindled. However, the city’s spirit endured, and the rail heritage was kept alive by local organizations and history enthusiasts who recognized the importance of preserving this crucial part of Hornell’s identity.
Despite the downturn, Hornell’s railroad legacy has experienced a resurgence in recent years. In the early 2000s, the French company Alstom, a global leader in rail transportation, acquired the Hornell rail shops, repurposing them for the manufacturing and refurbishing of modern railcars. Alstom’s presence in Hornell has brought new life to the city’s railroad industry, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Today, Alstom is working on high-profile contracts, including projects for Amtrak’s Acela fleet and various transit systems across the United States, marking a modern renaissance in Hornell’s railroad history.
Alstom’s operations have made Hornell one of the leading centers for railcar manufacturing in North America. The revival has not only created job opportunities but has also instilled a sense of pride in the city’s railroad heritage. Hornell residents and visitors can explore this history through exhibits at the Hornell Erie Depot Museum, which houses artifacts and photographs that showcase the city’s vibrant railroad past and highlight the contributions of the many workers who helped build and maintain the nation’s rail infrastructure.
Today, Hornell’s railroad heritage is celebrated and preserved by local organizations, including the Hornell Erie Depot Museum, which offers a glimpse into the city’s storied past. The museum features exhibits on the Erie Railroad, the development of the rail industry in Hornell, and the lives of the workers who powered the city’s economy for more than a century. Annual events, like Hornell’s Railroad Days, bring the community together to honor this legacy, educating younger generations on the importance of the railroad industry to Hornell’s history and fostering pride in the city’s unique identity.
Hornell’s railroad history is a powerful reminder of the city’s resilience and adaptability. From its early days as a critical stop on the Erie Railroad to its modern-day role as a center for railcar manufacturing, Hornell has navigated the ups and downs of the railroad industry with determination and pride. The city’s identity as a “Railroad Town” lives on through its people, who continue to honor and celebrate this heritage while looking toward a future that blends tradition with innovation. Hornell’s railroad history is not just about tracks and trains but a testament to a community built on hard work, perseverance, and a deep connection to its roots.
Johanna Elattar is a Hornell Based writer who enjoys looking back at local history and writing about what is new in the city and beyond. If you enjoyed this piece, you might enjoy her writing on the “Orphan Train.” You can reach her anytime at americangrrl70@gmail.com
