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The Lackawanna Railroad

The history of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company is a fascinating study of America and its growth from an agrarian economy to a manufacturing giant. The railroads played an indisputably central role in America's industrialization and the Lackawanna Railroad as it was commonly known is a classic case study of this transition. From the beginnings of its earliest predecessor; the Ithaca & Owego Rail Road chartered in 1828 through the formation of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in 1853. Its coming of age as a major New York to Buffalo Trunk Line in the 1880s and continuing until the apex of the Lackawanna's expansion in the early part of the 20th century, the Lackawanna transformed itself from a primarily anthracite coal hauling railroad into one of the most highly developed railroad properties of the 20th century.

The Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad earned a reputation for innovation and progressive reinvestment in its physical plant few other railroads would match. Even today the legacy of the Lackawanna still serves as testimony to its forward looking management which guided its course through the first half of the 20th century.

2025 Symposium!!
Our Symposium is set for

Saturday, October 11^th, 2025

Click here for the registration form

*NEW* DL&W stock certificates.
Special! Order the System Map and Viaducts Poster together for a reduced price postpaid: $30 for Non-Member, $25.00 for Member, and $21.25 for Patron Members.
The society has a limited number of Bob Bahrs wooden cabooses for sale at $8.00 postpaid
The 2025 Calendar is ready!
New item in our store! We have for sale a 20x28 inch system map of the DL&W. It is from the 30's and so includes branches that were eventually abandoned such as the Chester Branch and the Rockaway Loop.
New lower price for the Viaducts Poster: Member $15, Patron $12.50, Non-Member $20.00. All prices are post paid.
Click here to go to our product page or here to go directly to the order page. Signin not required.