A Very Early Mention Of American Railroads In This 1831 Letter Concerning The Albany To Schenectady Line, Which Opened That Same Year

The Mohawk and Hudson Railroad was one of the first railroads in America and the very first in the state of New York. It was began in 1826 and opened in 1831. ALS. 1pg. 8 x 10. 1831. New York. An autograph letter signed H. Beeckman to Barrent Beeckman, the Treasurer of the Albany and Schenectady Turnpike. Beeckman wrote to an Albany man about investing in an early railroad. Originally known as the Mohawk and Hudson Railroad, it was one of Americas first railroads, established only a few years after the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Beeckman also mentions the Albany and Schenectady Turnpike Company, which had managed the road between those two towns since 1797. Yesterday I recd a written notice from T. Van Vechten Esq. President of the Albany and Schenectady Turnpike d 20th ulto In conformity to said notice, I agree to become entrusted in the Rail Road contemplated to be made in the same numbers & shares I now hold in the Turnpike & Eighteen shares. I remain Yours respectfully H Beeckman. Teunis Van Vechten was later Mayor of Albany. This is a very early mention of public railroads anywhere. It is in very good condition with mailing folds.