Dover and Rockaway Railroad

The Dover and Rockaway Railroad was a section of railroad track completed in 1881 connecting Dover, New Jersey and Rockaway. It formed an important link in the developing U.S. railroad system, connecting major trunks to the New York harbor for freight and provided passenger service to central and southern New Jersey.

Much of the line is still active and is operated by the Morristown & Erie Railway to serve local customers.

The Central Railroad out of Dover, New Jersey was originally constructed between Dover and Rockaway and designated as the Dover and Rockaway Railroad. It was incorporated in 1880 and opened for traffic in 1881. This small road was built primarily as a connection between the Longwood Valley Railroad, which was controlled by the Central Railroad of New Jersey and the Hibernia Mine Railroad which was operated by George Richards. It was organized by George Richards, Columbus Beach, and Henry McFarlan, all from Dover. The Railroad was also built by other men from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts who were interested in the iron mines in the vicinity.

Prior to this time Mayor Richards suggested to the president of Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad (DL&W) Sam Sloan that a spur be built from the DL&W into a part of Dover along the north side of the Rockaway River terminating at the Hibernia mines. Mr. Sloan turned down the idea, so Mr. Richards negotiating with landowners along what was to become the roadbed for his railroad. The primary object of this new railroad and the other railroads and branches was to carry the iron ore to the furnaces at High Bridge and in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania for use with the Pennsylvania ores. George Richards took great satisfaction that the iron would come from New Jersey and the very first rails used were the product of the Dover Iron Works.

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